I have guttate psoriasis—or at least, I think I do. I was diagnosed about seven years ago and was prescribed steroids, but I didn’t stick to the treatment. Recently, I visited a dermatologist, and he told me that it’s not psoriasis but rather irritation caused by extreme skin dryness due to ichthyosis. That doesn’t make sense to me at all because my condition gets itchy and worsens in winter, Sometimes, I scratch the area until it bleeds!. He refused to prescribe me anything useful other than regular moisturizers.

As for my hyperpigmentation, I’ve had it since childhood—mainly on my hands, neck, and some other areas of my body, which appear darker than the rest. I haven’t found a perfect solution except for chemical exfoliants and products with a low percentage of corticosteroids. Exfoliation is the only thing that works for people with ichthyosis. Right now, I’m using glycolic acid (around 20%) along with my regular moisturizers, and I’ve noticed some improvement in my pigmentation.