Different Skin: One Woman’s Journey to Self Acceptance with Psoriasis   

Giorgia Lanuzza was 13 when her life changed forever. Until then Giorgia had experienced a perfect life split between her mother’s home in Basingstoke, Hampshire and summers with her father in Sicily. But her father’s devastating sudden death in a motorcycle accident left both Giorgia and her eldest brother reeling emotionally. And her body had something else in store for her. It wasn’t long after her father’s death that patches of scaly, itchy skin began to appear all over her body. Giorgia knew at once what it was because her mother had also developed it at roughly the same age: Psoriasis. 

It’s a skin condition which doesn’t get as much media coverage as conditions such as acne or vitiligo, but the condition affects more than 125 million people worldwide and its impact can be devastating. For the next 20 years Giorgia would suffer recurrent episodes which left her body covered in uncomfortable itchy patches. Giorgia became a recluse, avoiding school and social interactions, hiding in her room all day. When she did go out, to overcompensate for the sadness inside, she was the loudest she could be. A huge personality who was hiding her suffering. She self medicated at times in order to deal with the trauma. 

Then at the age of 18 Giorgia discovered a passion and aptitude for photography and began taking photos of herself. Suddenly she didn’t see pain anymore, she saw beauty and art in the patterns on her skin. She had discovered just how beautiful being different really is. Giorgia began modeling at first for her own projects. She documented her skin in detail online gathering thousands of followers. In 2015 her photos went viral and her posts were seen by millions around the world.

Giorgia became an ambassador for World Psoriasis Day, becoming the face of campaigns in the UK and Amsterdam and worked with photographer Brock Elbank on an empowering naked photoshoot. She found a phenomenal friend group who all appreciated every inch of who she was. Inspired by this newfound positivity, Giorgia began to retrain her brain to see the beauty in her skin. Different Skin is an inspiring story of how, when we learn to appreciate who we are, we live differently, find happiness and take control of our own destiny. 

Now aged 33 and living in Hampshire, UK, with her partner and two children, Giorgia has authored her first book: Different Skin. The memoir chars her brave, challenging and deeply
personal experiences with debilitating cases of psoriasis, offering support and guidance to those suffering similar issues. 

Female Health & Fertility caught up with Giorgia to learn more about her inspirational journey.

When did you start experiencing psoriasis and what do you believe was the trigger for the condition?

I was just 13 when psoriasis first appeared on my body. My amazing dad died very suddenly, and a week later, the patches started to appear. Psoriasis is hereditary and my mum has the same condition. Unfortunately, losing my dad was my skin’s trigger. Losing a parent when I was so young has altered my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. For better and for worse, I am who I am because of my skin.

What is the main thing about psoriasis and how it impacts people’s wellbeing that you would like people to understand?

Psoriasis is hard enough to live with – and that’s just when your own eyes are on it. We tend to judge ourselves quickly… even when we can’t help the situation. But, because it can hinder our lives so much physically, we tend to allow it to get to us mentally and emotionally, too. And I guess the main impact is caring about how it looks to others. So much so, that it has now defined me.

But instead of hiding – I wanted to create awareness and help people find inner happiness. During my years of struggling alone, I often thought of others struggling on their own, too… and that’s why I am doing this work now. It really means so much to me, to break this stigma, and break free of insecurity.

How has your skin impacted your life?

I felt like I was broken for a long time, I would look at my skin cracking, and believe it was quite literally breaking me… But I couldn’t let it. I knew my dad would want me to be happy. Eventually, my skin became my passion. Now when I look down at it, I think of my dad, because he would want me to do this! If it’s going to impact my life this much – I had better help others in my situation. I can’t suffer in silence anymore. I know there are millions out there who have and are struggling just like me. Because it can be really hard. But we can come together to change how the world sees us. Because when we are seen we are loved. I know that now.

What was the turning point that meant you were able to move forward with positivity after your biggest struggles?

When I found out I was pregnant in August 2023, I decided to quit my sales job and focus on my dream. I figured, if I focused all of my energy onto my goal… I could accomplish it… within 9 months. – And I have never been prouder of myself, for really changing my life – cutting the bad habits, ending my psoriasis medication, changing career path… all because I felt it had to be

NOW. I didn’t want to live with financial burden anymore, this constant pressure to succeed. So, I had to try… I finally felt strong enough to remove all obstacles from my life and make my family in heaven proud. …To become an author, share my psoriasis story, help others and make the world happier. I knew I could do it! Once I completed my book – I felt this overwhelming sense of calm… like this is how life should be enjoyed. With no pressure and no bad habits slowing me down.

How has becoming a mother played a part in your journey towards self-acceptance and body positivity?

Discovering I was pregnant for the second time, forced me to make huge changes in my life, ones I had been putting off for over a decade. I chose to follow a lifelong goal and make myself happy first, so that in turn, I could be a better mother, partner… and human. By following

my passion, I have become the happiest version of myself. I am the happy mum my children deserve. I knew I had to accomplish my goal while I was pregnant, to finally bite the bullet and get it done. During my pregnancy, I accepted who I am, but also, who I am supposed to be, and I made that version of me come true. And I am so grateful to myself. But, of course, my son humbles me daily. I will keep rocking him, even though my body hurts. And I will keep staying calm…even when he’s screaming the house down. Because parenting is hard. And so is life. But we have to stay positive and appreciate who we are.

What would you say to someone with a skin condition who is lacking in confidence and insecure about their body?

I would say, I bet you’re a beautiful person. And I bet you’re fed up that others aren’t seeing it?! Seeing the real you. It’s such a hard question to answer… that’s why I wrote a book called Different Skin. Because in my book, I give the advice I desperately needed. And I explain how I trained my brain to think differently, to see differently. Now, I marvel at my scary looking skin – because I can finally be happy with these patches covering me. And all I want to do is help others feel the same. I have thousands of photos of myself with psoriasis, when we understand

 ‘different’ we learn to accept it. I hope you get to understand me. Because you’re not alone in this, I am here for you. And I will keep my psoriasis going fierce, if it means I can help anyone overcome their insecurities!

What medications and treatments are available for psoriasis and what has been beneficial for you personally for your skin?

I have only tried one biologic medication for my skin, and that was called Kyntheum. As fabulous as it was in the beginning, I decided to stay off it and tread carefully from now on. The chapter in my book called: Medication – I explain what really happened here. Prior to this last-resort decision of starting medication; I had spent my life knowing that: learning to love who we are is easier than spending our lives on medication. But as a ‘very happy psoriasis warrior’, of course… I still need my creams. And these vary, from emollients like AproDerm, to steroid ointments like Betnovate. Light therapy always helped, however tedious to attend. With 3 sessions a week, starting at only 30 seconds… it took longer to undress, than to be treated.

Why did you decide to write a book?

I always had this feeling in my gut, after losing my dad and gaining psoriasis, I just knew I could turn it into a good thing. I knew if I wrote a book, sharing my photos and my story… I could help others struggling just like I have. I have fought with who I am my whole life, my identity, I have questioned every move I’ve made, I have judged myself, been judged, I’ve cried, I’ve been in control, and I’ve lost it. I have been so close to the end of the road; I am shocked I was able to turn back. But I did, every time. I just want to make my dad proud. I had to help others get over their fears of insecurity and judgment. – I guarantee my book will help you feel better and stronger! I’ll be shocked if it doesn’t, because my honesty is what’s needed I think.

Can you give us a little insight into what readers can expect from your book?

The book entails lessons I have taught myself over the years. – and the highs and lows that made me seek them. Publishing my book has been a life-long dream and now I have done it, my life has started again. I am happy, I am free, and my journey of change is all in there. Because although my psoriasis remains, it is my mind that has changed the most. I include chapters about work, money struggles, grieving and spiritual beliefs, quitting my job to follow my dream, brain training, toxic relationships, drink, drugs, procrastinating Pete and of course Negative Nancy. Just to name a few. It is funny, honest and heartfelt. And of course, i still struggle, that’s why i’m still writing. So, I have now decided to write more books. I’m actually halfway through book no 2, as I have more stories, more pictures, more love and more of my soul to bare…apparently.

Is there anything else you would like to share from your female health journey?

This really has been the greatest journey of my life… I am so proud of the person I have become. I’m so grateful to have focused on my inner strength, changed my life for the better, and found the woman I was born to be. I found true clarity in life, true happiness, true love and soon you will all read and understand why I feel so deeply, and why I speak so freely.

For anyone out there who needs to hear this, I am here for you. I don’t want us to struggle anymore!

Different Skin by Giorgia Lanuzza is published by Clink Street RRP £14.99 and is available to buy online from retailers including Amazon.co.uk and can be ordered from all good bookstores.