These are my legs! I suffer from psoriasis. It is a chronic auto-immune disease. It is considered chronic because there is no cure. The spots/patches may fade in time, but they will always come back...as I already know from experience.

It is not contagious...you cannot catch it! It only affects people with the right genetic make-up and that is between 2 and 3 per cent of the UK's population.

Psoriasis is not just a skin condition. It makes you feel tired and blue and it is closely linked with low self-esteem, stress, anxiety and depression. Having it in your hair can make your hair fall out and it can ruin your nails. It is also linked to its own form of arthritis, as well as rheumatoid arthritis and bowel problems, such as Crohn's disease.

I am currently in full flare-up, which means I have spots on my face, ears, hairline and all across my body. If I go swimming or wear short sleeves and a knee-length skirt, people often just stare in horror!

Although my profile picture may have shocked you, I am one of the lucky ones in that I do not currently have the worst forms of psoriasis  (think The Singing Detective). That is why I am running and I will be showing off my legs...to encourage awareness and to hopefully bring the Psoriasis Association some much-needed support.

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