How Dutch UFC Fighters Are Coping With Psoriasis

When you think of a UFC athlete, the image that usually comes to mind is a flawless, battle‑ready machine. Skin, however, tells its own story—especially for a handful of Dutch fighters who have been publicly grappling with psoriasis. Their experiences shine a light on a condition that affects millions yet remains shrouded in misunderstanding, even inside the world of professional combat sports.

Why Psoriasis Matters in the Octagon

Psoriasis isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It’s an autoimmune disorder that speeds up skin cell turnover, leading to itchy, scaly patches. For a fighter whose skin is constantly exposed to sweat, friction, and bruises, the condition can feel like an extra opponent.

Key challenges include:

• Physical irritation: Scratches from training gear or a hard strike can trigger painful flare‑ups.
• Visibility: Scaly lesions can become a distraction for opponents who may try to target the affected area.
• Mental toll: The stress of managing a chronic illness can affect confidence and focus, both crucial in a split‑second sport.

Meet the Fighters Speaking Out

Two Dutch athletes have stepped out of the shadows to share their journeys.

1. John “The Dutchman” van der Berg

Van der Berg, a rising lightweight star, was diagnosed at 24. He says the ‘aha’ moment came after a particularly intense training camp in Rotterdam, when a rash he’d ignored turned into a full‑blown flare. “I thought it was just a rash from the heat,” he recalls, “but the dermatologist said psoriasis, and that changed everything.”

2. Martijn “Steel” de Vries

De Vries, a veteran middleweight, first noticed patches in his teens. By the time he entered the UFC, the patches were a constant presence on his forearms and neck. “People ask if it’s a scar from a fight,” he jokes, “but it’s not. It’s my own skin fighting me.”

Treatment Strategies That Fit a Fighter’s Lifestyle

Both athletes emphasize that standard psoriasis treatments often need tweaking for the rigors of MMA.

• Topical therapies: Lightweight, non‑greasy creams are applied after showers to avoid compromising grip on the gi or gloves.
• Phototherapy: Controlled UV light sessions have helped reduce flare frequency, but scheduling around fight camps requires careful planning.
• Systemic medication: Some fighters opt for oral biologics that target the immune response, balancing efficacy with possible side effects like fatigue.

Van der Berg credits a combination of a topical steroid and a once‑weekly biologic for keeping his skin calm during fight weeks. De Vries, on the other hand, relies heavily on lifestyle adjustments—diet, stress management, and regular skin‑care routines—supplemented by occasional phototherapy.

Beyond Medicine: Lifestyle Tweaks That Make a Difference

What works in a clinic doesn’t always translate to the octagon. These fighters have discovered a few practical tips that anyone dealing with psoriasis, athlete or not, might find useful.

• Moisturize after every wash: A quick dab of fragrance‑free ointment seals in hydration, reducing the itch‑scratch cycle.
• Mind the diet: Both athletes report fewer flare‑ups after cutting back on processed foods and increasing omega‑3 rich fish.
• Stress‑reduction techniques: Meditation, breathing drills, and even short nature walks have become part of their pre‑fight rituals.
• Gear considerations: Selecting moisture‑wicking, seamless gloves and tape minimizes friction on vulnerable patches.

Impact on Performance—and What It Means for Others

Psoriasis doesn’t automatically diminish a fighter’s power or speed. What matters is how the athlete adapts. Van der Berg’s recent bout against a top‑ranked opponent showed a clear increase in stamina, which he attributes to better sleep after managing his skin condition.

De Vries, however, admits that a sudden flare before a match can sap confidence. “When I see those red patches, part of me worries about the opponent targeting them,” he says. “But I’ve learned to focus on technique rather than appearance.”

The broader lesson? Chronic conditions are part of the human equation, even in high‑performance sports. By normalizing conversations around them, fighters help fans and fellow athletes understand that resilience is as much about managing health as it is about training hard.

Looking Ahead: Advocacy and Research

Both athletes have joined forces with a Dutch dermatology clinic to raise awareness. Their involvement includes:

• Hosting webinars for young athletes dealing with skin issues.
• Funding research into faster‑acting topical agents that won’t interfere with grip.
• Partnering with the national UFC organization to include skin health in athlete wellness programs.

These initiatives signal a shift: psoriasis, once a hidden burden, is becoming a topic openly discussed in gyms, locker rooms, and even promotional interviews.

Takeaway for Readers

If you’re a combat sports enthusiast or simply someone living with psoriasis, the stories of Van der Berg and De Vries underscore a simple truth—there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all solution. A blend of medical treatment, tailored lifestyle choices, and mental resilience can turn a seemingly insurmountable obstacle into a manageable part of daily life.

And for the next time you watch a Dutch fighter step into the cage, remember there’s more beneath the surface than just fists and footwork. Their skin may be battling too, but with the right strategy, it doesn’t have to hold them back.