July 20, 2011
Rose Mary Phillip
ESKS.com
Parents didn’t want their kids around Kyle Koch. Whatever was “wrong” with him could be contagious.
As a 12-year-old boy in Kenora, Ontario, he didn’t know why his scalp had sore, itchy patches – let alone why they were silver. He couldn’t get rid of it so he learned to deal with the lingering stares and awkward questions.
Adults offered “helpful” tips like “You know there is a shampoo for that?” There’s not. He’s tried almost every one on the market. Eventually, he just avoided wearing black to hide his flakes.
A parade of physicians seemed just as confused as he was.
It’s just dandruff.
No, that’s got to be eczema.
Maybe severe heat rash?
Whatever it was, it was spreading.
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| Koch is in his 3rd season playing along the Eskimo offensive line. |
While earning his bachelor of commerce at McMaster University, the sores began migrating to his arms, legs, head, back and shoulders. Whatever. It wasn’t going to stop him from being a professional football player.
It also didn’t stop him from playing hockey, badminton and soccer, becoming a two-time CIS All-Canadian, two-time OUA All-Star and Lineman of the Year.
It wasn’t until 2007, his first year in the CFL, that he could finally and regularly see a dermatologist.
At last, an accurate diagnosis.
He has psoriasis (pronounced sore-EYE-ah-sis). It’s a chronic skin condition affecting nearly one million Canadians.
“It was like a whole new world had been opened to me. Here was a doctor that was telling me exactly what was wrong with my skin, how it was happening and some possible treatment options.
“Suddenly, I could tell people what was wrong and that they had nothing to worry about. My skin wasn’t contagious.” says Koch in an open letter published by the Psoriasis Society of Canada.
He hopes the letter will reach kids with psoriasis and let them know “it’s going to be okay” before they do something drastic.
An estimated 60 per cent of patients suffer from depression. The feelings of helplessness, poor body image and social distancing can be especially difficult on kids.
For 20-year-old Scott, it was devastating. He hated the name-calling and rejection. People wouldn’t touch him and he felt no one cared. It hurt. Last year, Scott ended the isolation but taking his life.
Koch’s openness and willingness to share his story reduces the stigma for kids like Scott and may even save lives.
“It’s not often that a professional person will talk about their psoriasis,” says Judy Misner, president of the Psoriasis Society of Canada. “[We] wish more people would be more open about their psoriasis.”
There is no cure but it can be managed.
During the off-season, Koch tried methatrexade, a chemotherapy drug known to also treat psoriasis in low doses. It didn’t work but that’s okay.
“You know what? It’s not too bad. Sometimes, if it gets too dry, it can be a little bit irritating, but it’s not too, too bad.
“Going to the beach and stuff like that can be uncomfortable. Just because people are like ‘What’s wrong with you?’ But I’m used to it now.”
Koch connects with kids in person as often as he can through the Eskimo Champions in the Community program. For those he can’t meet with, he offers a few pearls of wisdom:
“Do your best to be honest with people about it. I think people are a lot more accepting if you can be open about it.
“I know it’s hard, especially at a young age. You don’t look like other people or other kids and that can be a real self-esteem issue. But, I honestly think that if you can explain that you’re not contagious and there is not a whole lot you can do about it either, most people are understanding.”
To learn more about psoriasis contact the Psoriasis Society of Canada at 1-800-656-4494.