Talking about it
Psoriasis is not the result of something you did or did not do and there is no reason to be embarrassed because of it. You are not in control of when or where it occurs. While it is not possible to totally prevent or control psoriasis, it is treatable. Learning how to be up front and honest with your doctor and loved ones can make coping with genital psoriasis much easier.
With your doctor
It is uncomfortable for many people to discuss genital psoriasis with a doctor or medical professional. If you feel this way, you might try to locate a doctor you feel more at ease with, perhaps one of the same gender. To keep from having to explain your situation to the person who is checking you in, you might just say that you are waiting to be seen for your psoriasis. You can then bring up the genital psoriasis once the doctor is in the room with you.
With your partner
One way to keep psoriasis from interfering with your intimate relationships is to acknowledge how it affects your daily activities and to make sure your partner is aware of it. Then it becomes a fact and something that you deal with together. If your partner knows the role psoriasis plays in your life, he or she will be better equipped to provide you with the physical and emotional support you need.
It is also important to discuss your genital psoriasis and to be honest about how it affects your emotional and sexual relations (for more information about psoriasis and intimacy, see "Intimacy").
Updated June 2004
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