Living with psoriasis can be an overwhelming journey — one that India knows all too well. For years, she faced the physical discomfort and emotional toll of this chronic skin condition. But after beginning XTRAC laser treatments at Dermatology Partners in Lewisburg, everything changed. In this Q&A, India shares her personal experience, how her skin — and her quality of life — have dramatically improved, and what she wants others living with psoriasis to know.
1. How long have you been diagnosed with Psoriasis, and what is your official diagnosis?
I was diagnosed 8 years ago with guttate Psoriasis. I currently struggle with guttate and inverse Psoriasis, and in the past, I dealt with plaque psoriasis as well. I was diagnosed in 2021 with Psoriatic Arthritis, too.
2. How did/has Psoriasis impacted your life?
Psoriasis has greatly impacted my self-esteem and physical health. In 2024, my health was at its worst due to my Psoriasis, which is when I started treatment with Dermatology Partners. I was unable to work for a month at the start of my treatment because my skin would break open and bleed through my clothes. I was getting fevers from being so inflamed constantly.
3. When did you first start seeking and undergoing treatments?
The first time I got treatment was in December of 2017. I was given topical steroids, which I stayed on for 7 years. In 2024, I switched doctors and came to see Skyanne Goas, PA-C, which is when I stopped the steroids and was consistent with UVB therapy. Around this time, I started to get genuinely better.
Follow-up: Did you try any home remedies during this time as well?
Epsom salt baths, heavy moisturizers, supplements: Turmeric, vitamins C & D, B2. I tried a spray I found on Amazon called Psorval, which has tons of unlisted steroids in it (it is not American-made). This was an act of desperation, and it led to complete chaos. Diet changes have been crucial for me during and now after my journey with Xtrac. I avoid ground beef, nightshades, and heavy dairy, and I go gluten-free as much as possible.
4. How many different treatment modalities did you try before XTrac was offered to you?
The only other medical treatments I tried besides Xtrac were topical steroids and prednisone. I was on desonide, clobetasol, and triamcinolone. They all eventually stopped working, which led me to start mixing them.
5. What were your initial thoughts while undergoing XTrac treatments at Dermatology Partners – Lewisburg?
I was terrified at first but incredibly hopeful! I was pregnant with my son and was unable to do any other forms of treatment, so this was my last hope. I got so much worse in the beginning (this was only because I was so inflamed and covered that it was hard to find the proper dosage) and was covered in blisters. Once we found the appropriate dosage, though, it was amazing and life-changing. My skin and joints both got better. Xtrac is definitely my go-to treatment!
6. Since these treatments, what would you say your quality of life has been?
My quality of life has immensely changed for the better. I went from not being able to wear clothes, work, or even sleep at night from pain, to now I can live my life again. I can run around with my kids and have fun; I can wear what I want. Going through something that difficult gave me self-esteem and confidence in a way I never thought possible. I feel so proud of what I went through because it showed me just how strong I am and was. I have stayed at 90% clarity for about a year now and have not needed treatment since roughly July of 2024, right before my son was born.
7. Following XTrac, what have you been doing at home to help keep your Psoriasis under control?
I continue to follow my diet and supplements, and I also use my psoriasis creams to help with itching and redness when I am flaring. My go-to creams are Psodexusa, Cerave, and Vaseline.
Follow-up: Are these products you have found yourself, or did the team in Lewisburg recommend them?
Cerave was recommended to me by Skyanne when I was struggling with burns from my treatment, and the moisturizer helps SO much! Psodex reached out to me during my treatments after finding my Instagram page and sent me their products to try, and I've been a fan ever since.
Final thoughts: What would you like to tell others who continue to try to maintain or control their Psoriasis?
The biggest thing I tell everyone on my platform, my motto, is, "Your skin does not define you." For so long, much of my self-worth was tied to how well I managed my Psoriasis and my appearance. I felt like people would judge me, not want to be my friend, not hire me for jobs, or have other ill feelings towards me for my skin/ appearance. Once I realized, though, that my skin doesn't define who I am as a person or what I am capable of, I found self-love and freedom. You are never alone.
Questions answered by: India 
