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Psoriasis has physical symptoms that make life less enjoyable, from severe itching to red skin. In addition, even its treatment can be expensive and take too much of your time, an inconvenient fact of life for most patients.
But psoriasis isn’t just about the physical symptoms – it’s also about the psychological toll!
Starting a Vicious Cycle
Psoriasis, unfortunately, can be a frustrating and embarrassing skin disease, even during mild flare-ups. In addition, due to its appearance can be mistaken for an infectious disease like leprosy so that others can shun patients. Such ignorance can be difficult to overcome, too, because people with psoriasis feel ashamed about their condition.
If you have it, you may be hard-pressed to explain your condition to other people because of their frightened reactions. You may, for example, not be allowed to chop vegetables, swim in the pool, and even be in the same room due to fears of infection.
And so, you may feel isolated from your family and friends, which undermines your confidence in yourself. In addition, you will likely have difficulty healthily handling your emotions, especially when you’re in chronic discomfort.
The vicious cycle of stress making psoriasis worse and psoriasis creating tension begins – and it will not stop until you take matters into your own hands. Aside from the physical and mental stress related to psoriasis, you put yourself at a higher risk of depression.
Putting the Brakes on the Cycle
The excellent news: You can effectively manage psoriasis with medications (e.g., Remicade), lifestyle habits, and psychotherapy. It would be best if you were an active participant in your treatment, including dealing with the psychological fallout of your flare-ups.
Here are a few things that you can do to stop the vicious cycle:
- First, educate your family and friends about psoriasis. It would be best if you emphasized that it’s an incurable lifelong condition that isn’t infectious. In addition, you’re getting treatments for it, which will allay their fears.
- Adopt an attitude of confidence wherever you may be. You can’t always explain your condition to everybody, so it’s sometimes best to ignore the stares and go about your life. You have a right to enjoy your life as much as the next person, so get right to it.
- Get support from your fellow patients. You can even become a member of an online support group in case you don’t have one in your area.
If necessary, you should seek professional help if you feel depressed. You can live the life you choose even when psoriasis gets in the way sometimes – you need to be among supportive people.