Living with Psoriasis & Tattoos

I got my first tattoo at the age of 21, it wasn’t your average drunk night out with the girls and you were “dared” It was actually a bucket list item.

I knew I wanted some ink done but I didn’t know what to get or if I could deal with the pain Lol. That was 17 years ago.

Throughout that time, I got others and then psoriasis hit at 31. After realizing exactly what plaque psoriasis can do to the skin I was very concerned about the health of my older tattoos. Would they be affected or will I ever be able to get any ink done? Even though I sort of have my psoriasis controlled (this Chicago weather is brutal on the skin) The possibilities of getting new scales on my new ink would be horrible and even more with the possibility of infection.

That gray cloud has hung over my head for 7 years. Because of this health wise I cut out some things and added more fresh things to feed and repair my skin inside and out.

With that being said what are some of the risks if considering a tattoo with

 psoriasis?

Any skin trauma, such as a cut, insect bite, or sunburn, can cause psoriasis-type lesions to develop. This is known as the Koebner phenomenon. Since tattoos cause skin trauma, getting one may cause these psoriasis-like lesions to occur on your skin around the tattoo.

The Koebner phenomenon happens about 25 percent of the time in people with psoriasis who experience skin trauma. It typically occurs within 10 to 20 days of injury, but may take as little as three days or as long as two years. Researchers once believed that Koebner phenomenon only occurred in people with pre-existing psoriasis or other types of skin problems. 

However, the diagnosis criteria were expanded to include people with no previous skin conditions. Find Out More

If psoriasis plaques develop where you have gotten a tattoo, see your doctor. Dermatologists can treat the psoriasis on the tattoo just as they would on any part of the body.

Thinking about getting a tattoo to cover up your scales? 

Please reread above. In no way is that safe for your skin!

Don’t get a tattoo in an attempt to hide your psoriasis. No tattoo artist should ever agree to tattoo over psoriasis plaques. However, the most common places for psoriasis to flare are the elbows, knees, and scalp. “Fortunately, those are not places that people are likely to get tattoos,” says Korman.

Read More

Predicting Reactions

Not everyone with psoriasis will have a reaction when getting inked. However, there is no way to predict what will happen. Consider the following before you head to the tattoo shop:

·         Family History: Has any relative had psoriasis and also tried a tattoo? Their experience may give you some hints of what yours could be.

·         Current Skin Reactions: What causes psoriasis to flare up? If you cut yourself with a razor while shaving, does your skin react? If so, it is likely to do the same with the tattoo gun.

·         Severity of Your Condition: The more severe your condition, the more likely your skin will negatively react to a tattoo.

So, it’s possible but a major risk. Please consult your dermatologist.

Did you know?

Some states have laws that prohibit tattoo artists from doing a tattoo on a person that has active eczema or psoriasis. The person may have to wait until their psoriasis is dormant before getting the tattoo. For some individuals, this may rarely or never occur.

Ok, I know what youre thinking. So all that information listed is for getting new tattoos, I get it. The trauma to an already traumatized area depending where you have plaque sightings and tattoo placement.

But-

What if you already have tattoos, what’s the risk of developing plaques on top of them?

Even those that got tattoos before developing psoriasis about 7% has noticed during an uncontrolled flare up their tattoo has been affected with plaques. I have a total of 10 tattoos and I am apart of that number.

Two years ago, I noticed a small plaque on the dot in my name. Being apart of that growing percentage, no cure for the autoimmune disorder, Going Natural (process) was the best thing for me to keep my skin strong- it’s the largest organ and my force field I can’t and won’t allow it further damage.

Using a gentle exfoliating Coffee Scrub works wonders to refresh the body by stimulating the blood circulation, providing antioxidants that combat free radical damage. Since the majority of my plaques are on my legs, I do a full body scrub and the benefits are amazing!

Coffee is proven for reducing psoriasis, stretch marks, small veins, cellulite*(temporary*) Acne & Eczema symptoms. Premium Coconut oil included helps fight against premature aging leaving you with younger looking skin (especially for tattoos). That Glow afterwards Yasss!

Learn More

Do you have tattoos and psoriasis, share your experiences!

It's Confirmed: Pityriasis Rosea

Wooo, the past two weeks has been very challenging.

The metaphor- "You don't know what stress is until your child gets sick" or in my situation, until your children get sick is all to true.

Being a Mother of five, that title alone I keep a squad of issues. My home has been shut down due to quarantine because of this strange stomach bug, it passed thru all six of us and lasted about 24 hours each person that began with my middle daughter.

One day my middle daughter (12) came home from school and complaining of nausea and a headache. After asking her about what she ate at lunch that day I also went back and thought about the meals prior. I avoid oily, fried foods because its just not good for gut health and other things. So from there I gave her a cup of tea and told her to relax.
She's a homebody so I initially blamed the school lunch since she didn't pack one earlier.

Day 2
Later in  the evening, after missing a day from school I notice a large dry patch on my daughter just below her collarbone. After quizzing her to make sure she didn't try to curl her own hair ( I thought it favored a burn), I was very curious as to how she got it- So I made it my business to keep an eye on that area and call the doctor.
-Voicemail.

While she began to get better I was hit with another child contacting this strange stomach illness. I cleaned my heart out disinfecting from the ceiling to the floor an aired the house out.

Day 4
Thinking I'm in the clear another child is sick and my middle daughter wakes up scratching and shows me dime sized dry patches on her chest that seems like they just sprouted out of nowhere!

I immediately called our primary care physician which to my surprise was out on vacation, so I decided to go to the ER.
After 3 long hours nothing was confirmed because the Specialist (dermatologist) wasn't available in the evening on the date I visited and was discharged with a benadryl prescription and a follow up with my own doctor after care advice.

As you can imagine, I'm livid! I began using natural home remedies to sooth the itching. I really thought if she was scratching she could have possibly spread them so I dropped her prescription off at the pharmacy for Benadryl. At this point, I'm thinking its a possible allergic reaction to have spread so fast, I mean that is all the information I had so far. So I waited it out until our Primary Care Physician returned from vacation since it would take longer for a new dermatologist appointment.

Day 6
Four of my kids recovered, I get hit (insert multiple sad face emojis) During this time I advised my middle daughter to take chamomile/ oatmeal baths for relaxation after to apply a healing balm from Kerri's Kiss Naturals to seal in moisture while calming this flare up. I gave her the benadryl as needed prescribed also.

This was the worse time to get sick but I couldn't be more happier on this day, My PCP listened to my numerous voicemail messages and set me up with her soonest appointment which was in 2 days. I set the appointment and felt relieved that I can get some answers as to what was going on.

Day 8
Four children well + myself  my oldest son gets hit, No matter the age mom to the rescue!
Later that day, I take my middle daughter to her doctor appointment when the doctor confirmed diagnosis- Pityriasis Rosea.
With a puzzled look and now curious mind, I was unaware of the skin disorder and had to be well educated. To view more about Pityriasis Rosea Page 1 Page 2.

Even though this skin disorder is common, it's not contagious. This skin disorder can affect anyone from 10-35, It's due to a virus and last from 6-8 weeks or Months.

Day 10
At this point my daughter is handling it with me by her side giving her confidence, chamomile/ oatmeal baths before bed for itching and keeping her skin supple with the healing balm which is keeping her scar free by reducing itch and irritation.

I've always told my daughters (3) to love themselves, this time was a little different because I never really told my middle daughter how I felt about her now "skin disorder".

"Once I saw that patch I blamed myself. I began questioning genetics. The only thing I knew is that something was going on inside and we have to get this invader out."

I gave her a big hug and told her in a cheerful manner, "you have something that you will get rid of thru self care within a matter of weeks isn't that better than permanent spots? I proceeded to show her my arm.
You have to feel comfortable in your skin, understand the world isnt over and live your life to the fullest.
Living with Psoriasis myself I look myself in the mirror with no shame, I'm living this and You can do the same with your skincare issue.

Skincare: Healthy Eye Lids & Lashes Stye Treatment

OK here's deal, I LOVE lashes!

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But my skin doesn't. It started back when I used to get the false full lashes, I began to develop a Stye*(Red inflamed bump on the eyelid that affects the eye lash) So I would have to remove them early an in some instances lose lashes 😢. It sucks.
I figured I would try individuals, they lasted about 5 days when the full lash only lasted 3 days.
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When it comes to skin care the eye lids are included- So I promised myself I would lay off of the false lashes and nurture my own to eliminate the possibilities of inflammation on my eye lid.
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How would I get the Stye to leave, you ask? I took an old mascara brush cleaned it thoroughly and utilized my growth oil I curated which includes tea tree oil. Did you know tea tree oil has antiseptic antibacterial properties?  Just make sure it doesn't get into the eye!
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The Stye* left in half the time and my lashes grew back very well just not as fabulous as the falsies considering I had a couple empty noticeable spots (well I noticed) all spots are filled.

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So if you start feeling any irritation, itching or constantly producing tears while wearing lashes you may wanna remove them for the sake of your vision. Make sure you remove all the glue off the lash line so your lash follicles aren't blocked to prevent a possible Stye.

Interested in the growth oil for your REAL eyelashes? Let us know! Comment Share or message us  here----> Kerri's Kiss Naturals

Organic Skin Repair for Sensitive, Dry & Damaged Skin with Kerri's Kiss Naturals

When your skin barrier is damaged you allow moisture out and germs in.

I developed these organic, Non Toxic Healing & Calming Balms to combat Dry Skin, Eczema & Psoriasis. The Balms are safe enough to be also used for:
Cracked heels
Diaper rash
Winter skin
Cuticles Cracked nipples These balms soothes the skin, reduces redness & irritationOrganic Healing Power!

 

Our Lavender Calming Balm has infused lavender oil which is an anti-inflammatory, Anti- microbial.
Good for burns, acne ++ everything above!

Repair your skin with Kerri's Kiss Naturals Healing and Calming Balm while you enjoy your day with confidence. We got you covered!

How to Reduce Scalp Psoriasis with Kerri's Kiss Naturals..

 I got a lot of messages on how I reduced my scalp psoriasis, so I dedicated this blog post to my psoriasis family..

Seven years ago diagnosed, Psoriasis hit me fast and my scalp the hardest. All I kept doing was scratching and peeling dry skin patches off my scalp- No one told me I was actually destroying my hair follicles causing premature balding, I was devastated!

At that moment I knew I had to save my hair and repair my scalp because I didn't want bald spots all over my head, So I decided to go for the big chop so I can repair my scalp and make my hair healthy in the process.

I decided to research healthy, natural ways using oils, home remedies whatever I could find to help relieve the irritation & Inflammation while soothing my scalp so I wouldn't continue to destroy my hair follicles.

I started using a pre-shampoo method using fresh Aloe Vera, Coconut oil & Vitamin E to make it easier to remove all the dead skin flakes.

Unsure on how to extract fresh Aloe Vera from the leaf? check this video out www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpmOQ40PvtI&t=28s

I would usually keep this in for a couple of hours with a shower cap on so once I combed thru my hair the skin flakes would come out easy without any more trauma to my scalp.

 

*(Coconut oil can be applied to the scalp & hair to loosen skin flakes)

I began using *Tea tree oil mixing it with my medicated shampoo.

*(Tea Tree Oil can relieve symptoms of scalp psoriasis when used with formulated shampoos)

I've been using this method for a while now, my scalp is healed and my hair is healthier and yours can too! 

                                           Try this out and share your experience!

Psoriasis: Inside & Out with Turmeric Tea

                                                          It's time to detox..

One of my favorite times to relax on a rainy day is to curl up with a book, notebook, pen and a hot tea. So today I decided to take tea time a step further an uplift my body & kick my psoriasis ASS! 

For those that don't believe until you get actual facts, check those out below!

How Does Turmeric Treat Psoriasis?

Curcumin an important component is responsible for most of the beneficial properties in turmeric.

Anti-inflammatory: The curcumin reduces the histamine levels (responsible for inflammation), blocks a molecule called nuclear factor Kappa B (NF – kB) responsible for inflammation response within cells and inhibits the activity of cyclin D1, a protein that is involved in cell proliferation and thus prevents the growth of psoriatic skin cells.
It constrains the enzyme Ph-K which is accountable for excess skin cell growth.

Controls Spread of Psoriasis: As per a study, it is proved that curcumin inhibits the cyclin D1 activity (which is a protein involved in rapid growth of skin cells). This helps to prevent the spread or growth of psoriasis.

Combats Auto-Immune Disease: curcumin contains immunomodulatory properties that control immune responses and amend the condition. T-cells are the main immune cells that are responsible for abnormal production of skin cells.

Anti-Microbial: people suffering from psoriasis are more prone to develop skin infections that worsen the condition. Ar-tumerone present in turmeric oil is proved to contain potent anti-fungal properties than fungal drugs like ketoconazole. Turmeric also contains antibacterial and parasiticidal activities.

Antioxidant: Psoriatic patients have low anti-oxidative defenses which can significantly increase oxidative stress. The non-toxic antioxidant property of turmeric reduces the oxidative stress by restricting free-radicals.

Boosts Immunity: The presence of lipopolysaccharides make the turmeric an immunity booster. It raises the white blood cells count to stimulate the immunity.

Detoxifier: It protects and detoxifies the liver from toxic damage by cleansing the blood to prevent impurities.
(View more scientific data www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314306.php)

Products used:

1. 2 slices of fresh Turmeric or 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
2. Ground pepper boosts the absorption of the active compound in turmeric, Curcumin. I didn't measure but I would say at least 2 pinches, 
3. 1-2 cups of boiling hot water. 
4. Honey or Lemon Juice (I tried one with honey as a sweetener and lemon juice as a sweetener Honey won that round), 
5. Drink daily!

Its a taste that you will never forget- Its worth a shot to combat Psoriasis inside & out in conjunction with Kerri's Kiss Naturals Tea Tree Exfoliating Scrub.

                            Complete Your own analysis and share your experience!

Do you suffer from Itchy, irritated skin?

If you or a loved one has sensitive skin issues like Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea etc. and have tried over the counter ointments lotions etc and you're still left with itchy irritated skin try Kerri's Kiss Naturals! Our formula has been tested and tried on individuals that shares the same issues with the common goal RELIEF!

Its no shame in my game- Dealing with my own skincare issues I understand how it feels to be looked 👀at strangely as if your contagious when you scratch those dry areas, stained sheets from the ointment, flare ups, etc. that leads to low self esteem and sometimes depression. I get it but you don't have to hide it.

This is a No Judgement zone🛇 
Want to interact with a community of those with sensitive skin issues?
Join us here.

Safe to use, easy to apply just for you! Don't believe me check out our reviews, ask questions or check out our products for yourself.

                       
                Our skin is the largest organ on our body doesn't it deserve a chance?

Think about it, when you spray bug repellent on your skin does the bugs bite? So why would you continue to use a skincare product for sensitive skin that doesn't work?

It's time to leave those chemicals alone and go natural! Kerri's Kiss Naturals!
The seasons are changing Fall is here, Winter is next which means the flare ups are coming! It's time to Take Action and Stand Up for healthy skin you deserve it! 

Bar Soap vs Body Wash with Kerri's Kiss Naturals..

                            

Earlier someone asked my opinion between the two and what I'm currently using so I decided to share my two cents please share yours!

Bar soap made with lye can give you a squeaky clean feeling but the components are actually designed to take away oil an in some instances strip away too much oil from the body.
I was a soap lover- color and lasting scent was a must for me to purchase, Bath & Body works was my store of choice. Let's say I learned the hard way..
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Dry. Irritated. Skin = dis is all I got out my purchase.
A variety of soaps is a no go for ME because of these after results. I felt sticky like the film was still present after I rinsed multiple times, stiff after I air dried which caused my to scratch and I began to see flakes that felt like I had been removing excessive soap which caused irritation and inflamed areas. Bad idea!!
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So if you've experienced dryness after using bar soap, that's probably the reason especially if you have sensitive skin. At that time I new I had to try something much different so after that lesson learned I started using a soothing body wash that had more oils to heal and sooth, also delicate for sensitive skin. I leaned toward plant based options botanicals that would do a 100% job that worked for me. Coconut, Olive & Jojoba had to be some major ingredients with more than .2% included.
So I tested and created a body wash that does just that! 

Must haves that went into the process- good lather, clean feel but had to add more oil in the process and strip less away from my body, and the after effects must be hydration, lastly a good loofah used to get the job done instead of using a face towel.

Especially on these cool fall days- this body wash gives my skin life!
Kerri's Kiss Naturals Calming, lavender scented Vegan body wash. 

Natural Skincare Served With A Kiss..

             
   
   "Natural Skincare Served With A Kiss" 

That is how Kerri Honeywood of Kerri's Kiss Naturals explained her natural skincare product line.

A desire to find skincare products that would not harm her skin led Kerri Honeywood in 2015 to establish her own product line, made from natural ingredients.

Her "Naturals" brand is located in Chicago, IL. offers Lip Balms, Sugar Scrubs, Bath Salts and a range of other skincare products.

All of these products were inspired by her being the fact she was diagnosed with Psoriasis in 2010 after delivering her fifth child, with the stress from the pregnancy being in the winter nothing helped her skin not even the products prescribed. Later she realize she needed to get away from synthetic chemical based products all together.

"Every time I used a commercial product, I would immediately feel like my skin was on fire! it was literally irritating my skin to the point I began scratching causing inflammation. I decided to do various hours of research on natural skincare, herbs & aromatherapy holistic ways to create products that would provide a natural healing that would not further harm the skin. That's when Kerri's Kiss Naturals was born" .

She began making basic skincare products for family & friends.

"Everyone I shared my products with especially those with skincare issues kept saying these products are good, you need to start a business doing this. The products work well with my dry skin and my skin looks hydrated and feel great" Honeywood Explained.

"I have an entrepreneurial spirit for sure, so I decided to do it! This is an industry that has room for growth".

To find out more about Kerri's Kiss Naturals products Click Here
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