The BBC’s popular dance competition show Strictly Come Dancing’s professional dancer, Aljaz Skorjanec, has bravely shared his 16-year struggle with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes itchy and painful scales to develop on the body. Aljaz, who is currently partnered with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri on the show, spoke out about his battle with the condition, revealing that he was first diagnosed at the age of 20 after experiencing symptoms for two years.
Psoriasis can lead to the formation of flaky skin patches and scales that are both uncomfortable and sore, according to the NHS. In a 2022 interview, Aljaz expressed how psoriasis significantly impacted his self-esteem, prompting him to conceal it even during his appearances on Strictly Come Dancing. The 34-year-old dancer, who is married to fellow Strictly professional Janette Manrara, recounted his initial encounter with the condition, explaining, “When I was about 18, I stopped dancing competitively, and it was a huge change in my life.”
Aljaz mentioned that the onset of odd patches on his knees, which later spread to his elbows, coincided with stressful life events. Despite seeking medical help and receiving treatment in the form of steroid creams, his condition worsened when he left home. Aljaz revealed the frustration of trying various treatments and consulting multiple specialists over the years, including undergoing injections directly into the affected areas due to his desperation for relief.
Speaking about the challenges of managing his condition in the public eye, Aljaz confessed to feeling self-conscious and often opting to conceal his psoriasis, particularly on his arms and legs. Symptoms of psoriasis include dry, scaly patches on the skin that can appear red or silvery and may cause itching or soreness. Aljaz’s candid revelation sheds light on the emotional toll of living with a chronic skin condition and highlights the importance of raising awareness and understanding around conditions like psoriasis.