Emotional journey
Living with a long-term health problem like psoriasis can affect more than just your physical wellbeing. It is quite common to feel angry and depressed, but such feelings can be reduced by discussing your psoriasis and the way you feel with friends and family.
Remember that in time, by working with your healthcare team, you should find a treatment that will improve your symptoms.
Social life
Embarrassment about the appearance of psoriasis can lead to low self esteem and a reluctance to socialise, which can put a strain on relationships.
- The discomfort of psoriasis and lowered self-confidence may interfere with your sex life and affect your relationship with your partner.
- The worry about what people think and being conscious that they are focussing on your affected skin can make associations with friends and colleagues awkward.
It may help to explain the nature of your psoriasis to friends and colleagues – psoriasis is nothing to be ashamed of. Your friends and colleagues may be interested to learn that psoriasis is not contagious but rather that it is a common long-term skin condition. It is important that you do not let psoriasis affect your self-image; psoriasis does not change you, it is just a condition that you happen to have. If you stay confident and feel good about yourself, others will notice you more than they notice your skin.
Talking to your healthcare team can also help. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are many effective treatment options. Finding a treatment that works for you will help you feel better about yourself.
It may also be helpful to talk with other people who have psoriasis at local support groups (your healthcare team should be able to provide details). Sharing your feelings and gaining more information about psoriasis can be comforting and useful.
Close relationships
Psoriasis is commonly reported to have an effect on family life. This does not need to be the case. Talk to your family about how your psoriasis affects you and how it makes you feel. If they understand your needs better they will be more able to help. Much of the unhappiness experienced by people with psoriasis may stem from feelings of isolation or rejection. Having the support of your family can help you overcome such feelings.
Sexual relations can become difficult when psoriasis is active as your skin may be sensitive and painful to the touch. You may also feel less attractive or have a reduced sex-drive. Such issues should be discussed openly with your partner to avoid misunderstandings and discomfort. There are many ways to help develop an intimate relationship; openness and honesty about your psoriasis is often the best approach.
Although psoriasis may be hereditary this is not always the case. Even if you have a family history of psoriasis, your child may not develop psoriasis as factors such as stress, smoking, alcohol and surgery play a role too.
Having psoriasis does not affect your chances of becoming pregnant. Pregnancy can affect your psoriasis, and may even improve symptoms, but the effects vary between women and cannot be predicted.
If you are currently receiving medication for your psoriasis, you should consult your healthcare team if you are thinking of starting a family. If you have severe psoriasis and cannot completely stop treatment during pregnancy, you may have to use an alternative medication. Your healthcare team will be able to advise you on this.
It may be necessary for you to discuss contraception methods with your healthcare team in order to minimise the risk of unplanned pregnancy while you are taking some medications.
Relax
Finding ways to relax can make a big difference to how you cope with your condition. Here are some ideas you might want to try:
- Treat your body with respect by making a special effort to eat properly and get enough sleep. Doing some exercise can also make you feel better about yourself and give you a more positive outlook on life. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel tired or slightly unwell, don't overdo things.
- Experiment with relaxation techniques – Many people find meditation and visualisation techniques extremely relaxing, and puts them in a positive frame of mind. A practical way to start is to buy a relaxation tape or CD. These are widely available from book or music shops. To a background of relaxing, unobtrusive music, you will be encouraged to slowly relax your body, and then focus on relaxing and positive thoughts.
- Indulge yourself now and then. Go for a massage or a pedicure. Being pampered by someone else can help you relax, release stored up tension and make you feel better about your life.
- Take time out to do things you enjoy, such as listening to music, sitting in the park or going to the cinema.
Sleep well
Getting a good night's sleep can do wonders for your feeling of wellbeing.
When your psoriasis is uncomfortable it can keep you awake. Speak to your healthcare team about creams to soothe the uncomfortable areas of psoriasis so that you get enough sleep. This can be important because any stress caused by your lack of sleep may worsen your psoriasis.
When you are in physical pain because of your psoriasis – or simply worrying about your health – this can, however, be easier said than done. If you can't sleep properly for a few nights in a row, or even longer, your symptoms could feel much worse.
If you're struggling to get to sleep, or find that you're waking up in the middle of the night, try our tips for a good night’s sleep.
Secrets to a sound slumber
- Avoid eating or drinking too much close to bedtime, as this may make you want to go to the toilet in the middle of the night.
- Stay away from stimulants such as caffeine (including chocolate), alcohol and tobacco in the evening. These will stimulate your nervous system and make it hard for you to drop off.
- Check your non-prescription medicines as these may contain caffeine or pseudoephadrine, which will keep you awake.
- Get some exercise to ease stress and help you relax, so you don't lie there worrying about things when you should be asleep.
- Relaxation and breathing techniques can be beneficial, helping you to let go of anxieties that may prevent you from falling asleep.
If you still can't get to sleep, it may be worth talking to your doctor or practice nurse, as it could be a sign of another medical problem.
Telling your employer
Having psoriasis may require you to have time off work, either because of the condition itself, or for you to attend GP or hospital appointments and to receive treatment. Depending on the severity of your psoriasis, treatment may take up a significant amount of time and / or require frequent appointments.
With some jobs it may be possible to work around your appointments. Most companies offer some degree of flexible working, and a convenient working arrangement can usually be reached by discussing your medical needs with your employer. Arrangements may include:
- working from home on days you have appointments
- working longer hours on the days you do not have appointments
- starting work later and finishing later.
Your employer is legally obliged to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your medical needs.
If your psoriasis is severe, you may be physically prevented from undertaking some types of manual or skilled labour, but only the Armed Forces are legally allowed to not employ people if they have severe psoriasis.
If you feel that you may have been discriminated against at work because of your psoriasis, there are people that can help you. You can find information from your local Citizens Advice office or contact a solicitor.