[39M] Experiencing Psoriasis, Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Phantom Smells

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be dealing with a few different issues:

• Psoriasis: This is a chronic skin condition that you're already aware of. It's characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches of skin. The worsening of your psoriasis after your COVID vaccination may be due to an immune response, as vaccines work by stimulating the immune system. However, this is something that should be discussed with your doctor.

  • Treatment typically involves topical treatments, light therapy, and medications, which you're already taking.

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): This is a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that can't be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue often worsens with physical or mental activity, but doesn't improve with rest. This could explain your constant fatigue, brain fog, and sleep issues.

  • Treatment often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary recommendations, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

• Phantosmia: This is a condition that causes you to smell odors that aren't actually present. In your case, you're smelling smoke. This can be caused by upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, brain tumors, Parkinson's disease, or epilepsy. However, given your lack of other neurological symptoms, these serious conditions are less likely.

  • Treatment depends on the underlying cause, if one can be found.

• Psoriatic Arthritis: This is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. This could explain the stiffness in your fingers and ankles. However, this is usually associated with more severe joint symptoms.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease.

What you can do

1. Continue taking your prescribed medications for psoriasis. If you notice that your symptoms are worsening or not improving, contact your doctor.
2. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring you get enough sleep. These can all help manage your symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.
3. Keep a symptom diary. This can help you identify any patterns or triggers for your symptoms, which can be useful information for your doctor.
4. Consider seeking a referral to a specialist. A rheumatologist could evaluate you for psoriatic arthritis, a neurologist could investigate your phantosmia, and a sleep specialist could help with your sleep issues.

What you should look out for

• If your fatigue, brain fog, or sleep issues worsen significantly, seek medical attention.
• If you develop new symptoms, such as severe joint pain, sudden vision changes, or significant weight loss, seek medical attention.
• If your psoriasis worsens significantly or spreads to new areas of your body, contact your doctor.

Remember, while this advice provides a starting point for understanding your symptoms, it's important to consult with healthcare professionals for a formal diagnosis and treatment options.