What it's like living with Psoriasis

Red, itchy, and flaky skin could mean anything from a simple sunburn to a severe skin condition.

For many, they are lucky enough to get away with slathering lotion on the affected areas for a few days.

But for Erick Madia, whose whole body is dry and flaking, it's a nightmare he lives with daily.

It started with itchy bumps on his feet five years ago. Then it spread across his whole body.

"Pagising ko nang umaga akala ko bungang araw lang na pulang pula, buong katawan ko hindi na naalis. Nung isang linggo nagpaderma na ko," he said in an episode of Pinoy MD.

The verdict: Psoriasis, a skin condition that speeds up production of skin cells, which results to build up on the surface of the skin, and peeling.

The skin across Erick's whole body is dry, flaky, and itchy. Some areas are even swollen and red, and it's all around painful.

Some days, he can't even get up from bed.

Erick, who lives in Goa in Camarines Sur, used to plant coffee beans. He was also a carpenter in a furniture shop.

But with his condition, he can no longer work. Erick now relies on his aunt for support and care.

"[Pag] inatake po ko nang sobra, talagang di ko makayanan, yung wala na po akong magawa," he said.

Erick used to have treatment for his condition, but due to his financial situation, he could no longer buy the necessary medicine.

He makes do with herbal remedies, such as bathing with a mixture of leaves and herbs. He also rubs petroleum jelly all over his body to soothe it somehow.

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It has been four years since his last check up, so the Pinoy MD team brought Erick to the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City.

He was diagnosed with exfoliative dermatitis or erythroderma.

"It may be due in part to certain skin diseases na nagkaroon siya before, like for example psoriasis," said dermatologist Dr. Marilou Cruz-Sarmiento.

Sarmiento added that they found indications that it was probably due to psoriasis.

Erick was also found to be dehydrated and malnourished.

"We recommend proper nutrition and yung increased intake of protein is highly recommended, so in the forms of eggs, milk, and other protein rich foods," Sarmiento said.

She also advised Erick to continue moisturizing his body.

The doctors still need to conduct a skin biopsy and other lab tests to confirm the cause of erythroderma, and even recommended confinement.

While confinement is free, the lab tests have a fee that Erick cannot afford.

Pinoy MD has extended financial assistance to Erick, but there is still plenty to be done for him to fully heal. — Jessica Bartolome/LA, GMA News

To get in touch with Erick, you can text his aunt Juvie Enciso at 09467080120.

For donations, you may deposit at the following:

PNB GOA Camarines Sur
Juvie Enciso
250310004096