Leonie Branaghan, a mother of two from Ipswich, England, experienced a devastating battle with severe psoriasis after a traumatic childbirth that left both her and her newborn son, Kobe, in intensive care. After contracting sepsis, Leonie returned home terrified of losing her baby and struggled with the emotional aftermath of the experience. She believes the extreme stress contributed to the skin condition that later dramatically changed her life.

Around two months after leaving hospital, Leonie began experiencing flashbacks and noticed a small scab behind her ear. Initially mistaking the problem for dandruff, she sought medical attention as more bumps appeared across her scalp. She was first diagnosed with a fungal infection before receiving a psoriasis diagnosis in September 2024. The condition caused intense itching, burning, bleeding and foul-smelling fluid, eventually leaving her with extensive hair loss. At its worst, the symptoms made everyday activities painful and difficult.

Losing her long blonde hair was particularly devastating because it had been an important part of her identity. Leonie sometimes wore wigs and hats to cover her scalp when going outside, but she also faced insensitive comments from strangers. The condition affected her ability to care for and play with her children, as painful, splitting skin on her hands and feet made even simple tasks challenging. Despite trying several oral and injectable treatments, she has continued to experience flare-ups.

Now, Leonie hopes to raise awareness and encourage others to seek medical advice early if they notice persistent skin changes. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause itchy, painful and flaky patches, including on the scalp and behind the ears. Although there is currently no cure, treatments such as topical medicines, phototherapy and prescription medications can help control symptoms. Stress can trigger or worsen flare-ups, making appropriate medical care and ongoing support especially important. ❤️