This Photo Will Change the Way You Think About Psoriasis

Aspiring actress and artist Ciena Rae Nelson is sparking thoughtful conversation about psoriasis with a recent before-and-after shot that's since garnered a lot of attention. Psoriasis is a skin condition that materializes in itchy, dry patches and can also worsen one's immune system. While many people suffer from the condition, including Kim Kardashian and Cara Delevingne, its effects are often underestimated.

In an Instagram post, shown above, Nelson addresses this disconnect between how psoriasis looks and its actual, far-reaching impact. To demonstrate the way the issue has affected her both on the outside and on the inside, she enhanced the before photo's saturation.

In her caption, she explained, "Most people looked at the left in person and didn't notice much but dry spots here and there, not noticing what was really underneath." Nelson then went on to highlight the condition's invisible ailments, such as chronic itchiness and fatigue.

In an interview with HelloGiggles, Nelson elaborated on the buzzy photo and the meaning behind it. She said, "People think I'm flaky (no pun intended) because I don't want to go out last minute depending on how I'm feeling. They don't understand that I have to judge it day by day, and that they may not always SEE my disease but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist."

While Nelson has learned to temper her psoriasis by hydrating, eating healthy, and getting lots of sleep, her ongoing battle with it should serve as a powerful reminder that these types of conditions can cause strife that's more than just skin deep.