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It isn't enough that psoriasis sufferers have to endure the chronic itching, burning and scaly dry skin plaques that are associated with psoriasis, or that few psoriasis options will give them relief. Add to it all, the public stigma attached to such a disfiguring skin condition and the common misconception that the lesions are contagious, and you have a recipe for intensely awkward social situations. Shielding lotions can often facilitate the needed healing and result in improved self-image as a result.
If you are lucky enough to have one of the forms of psoriasis that is not on exposed skin, such as Inverse Psoriasis afflicting the underarms, groin region and folds of skin, discovery of your condition may be avoided, but for all forms of psoriasis, having friends, family and partners who are supportive and understanding can really ease the emotional distress associated with psoriasis.
According to a recent survey by a psoriasis resource group, Beyond Psoriasis, more than half of people with the affliction say that the disease affects their self-confidence. Add to it the fear, anger or hopelessness that so often psoriasis sufferer's experience. But psoriasis doesn't have to rule the emotions if psoriasis treatments properly address the emotional side effects.
Here are just a few ideas the resource group recommends to help sufferers manage emotions:
Take Good Care of Yourself: When you take the steps to manage your psoriasis by taking good care of your skin, eating well, getting plenty of rest, minimizing stress, and keeping your skin hydrated with a good shielding lotion, your psoriasis flare ups will likely be less frequent, helping you to feel better about yourself.
Managing Fear & Stress: When you have fears about flare-ups of your condition, you may actually exacerbate the psoriasis. Don't focus on how you think others view your psoriasis; focus instead on how capable you are at certain things. Try relaxing to soothing music and natural environments to minimize your anxieties, exercise to release endorphins, or find something that makes you laugh. Reducing stress will likely help your psoriasis and allow you to cope better with your symptoms. Research has shown that chronic stress affects the immune system and hinders health and healing in the body.
Managing Anger: Expressing feelings of anger is important and healthy -- it just needs to be handled the right way. Instead of lashing out at someone who speaks inappropriately about your psoriasis, try educating him or her about your condition. If you don't think you can express your feelings appropriately, it might help to go for a walk, work out at the gym, play ball, or talk with a friend.
Managing Feelings of Hopelessness: When overwhelmed by the feelings of hopelessness over your condition, remember, you're not alone - 4.5 million Americans have psoriasis. Reach out to family and friends or get support from a source like the National Psoriasis Foundation, to help you recognize and change some of the self-defeating thoughts and beliefs you may have.
How Helping Others Can Help You: Helping and supporting others can increase your self-esteem. By focusing on others you can lessen feelings of depression and hopelessness. Offer to run an errand for an elderly neighbor; pick up a friend; open a door for a complete stranger.
Educating Others: The reactions of others can cause self-doubt and feelings of shame or embarrassment in people with psoriasis. People often react negatively toward things they don't understand. The solution -- help them to understand! Share informational literature about psoriasis -- this can make a significant difference in helping others understand the impact of the disease. For most, talking about psoriasis gets easier with time.
By following your doctor's suggested treatment and daily skin-care regimen, protecting your dry cracked skin with a quality shielding lotion, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, getting plenty of rest, and reducing stresses in your life can help you beat the blues from psoriasis.
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