For years, I thought the dry, cracked patch of skin on my thigh was caused by my keys rubbing against my pocket. But by 2019, it wasn’t going away, so I finally went to the doctor. At that point, I had no idea it was the beginning of a long battle with psoriasis—a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the skin to build up too quickly, leading to red, scaly patches that can crack, bleed, and sting. It’s not contagious, but it can be physically and emotionally draining.

The doctor prescribed creams and moisturisers, but by 2020, the patches spread—to my scalp, behind my ears, and knees. Around the same time, I started Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), a sport I quickly fell in love with. When steroid creams made things worse, I pushed for a referral to a dermatologist, who confirmed it was psoriasis.

The treatments started: UVB light therapy three times a week, ointments for my skin and scalp, and a strict skincare routine. (UVB light therapy involves standing in a special booth where controlled UVB rays slow the overproduction of skin cells.) I kept training BJJ as much as I could, but the psoriasis worsened. Soon, it covered most of my body—cracking, bleeding, and flaking. The pain and embarrassment became overwhelming, and I had to stop training.

Daily life was a nightmare. I vacuumed my skin scales constantly, changed my bedding every day because of the blood, and slathered myself in Vaseline to stop the cracking. People stared in public, but I didn’t care about that—I just wanted relief. I tried everything: diets, avoiding alcohol, salt baths (which burned but gave temporary relief), and even homemade creams. Nothing worked.

I felt hopeless, ready to give up, but my dermatologist suggested biologics—specialized injections for severe cases. After months of paperwork and waiting, I finally qualified. Within a week of the first injection, the psoriasis started disappearing, leaving only scars that soon faded.

On June 27, 2022, I joined a new BJJ gym and returned to the mats. After years of pain and struggle, I was finally back doing what I loved. I’m extra cautious about hygiene and cleanliness now, but I’m grateful every day to be healthy enough to train again.

 

Why I Started Fight Care Kit

My experience with psoriasis—and how careful I now have to be with hygiene—was a major reason I started Fight Care Kit. I believe everyone should carry their own first aid supplies to help prevent the spread of infections like staph, ringworm, and other skin conditions commonly found in gyms.

Every gym bag should have:

• Nail clippers and files: Long or jagged nails can scratch training partners and introduce bacteria.

• First aid essentials: To clean and cover any cuts or abrasions immediately.

• Tape: For protecting injuries or covering vulnerable areas.

Sharing these items or neglecting personal hygiene can easily spread bacteria or fungi that thrive in gym environments.

Through Fight Care Kit, I hope to raise awareness and make it easy for fighters and grapplers to protect themselves and their training partners.

Living with an autoimmune condition has taught me the importance of taking control of my health and hygiene. Whether you’re dealing with a condition like psoriasis or just trying to avoid gym-related infections, prevention is everything. Stay clean, stay safe, and never stop fighting.