Psoriasis can impact your life in many ways. It affects the way you feel about yourself, the clothes you choose to wear, the way you manage symptoms and the way you care for your overall health. The itch and appearance of psoriasis may get in the way of your life, whether you're at work or school, pregnant, or in a romantic relationship.
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Psoriasis might make you feel isolated. You might believe that no one understands you. But you aren’t the first person to go through this. Other people are going through what you are going through right now, and they are thriving. So can you.
Here are some ways to manage your psoriasis in everyday situations.
People with psoriasis are at higher risk for certain related conditions, like cardiovascular (heart) disease, depression and other mental health issues, and metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. These related diseases are known as comorbidities. Learn more through our quick guide on related conditions from the Patient Navigation Center.
Stress is a common trigger for a psoriasis flare. Stress also can make itch worse. This makes managing stress a particularly important skill for people with psoriasis. Consider the following ways some people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are effectively reducing stress in their lives.
Findings from a 2015 research study demonstrated that psoriasis is highly stigmatizing, and carries about the same level of stigma as herpes. Many of the study participants believed the psoriasis was infectious and contagious. Psoriasis is neither infectious nor contagious, and NPF is working hard to change this misconception. You can help by educating those around you in your everyday life.
Psoriasis goes where you go, so it’s important to learn how to handle psoriasis in these spaces. That includes how to speak about psoriasis to teachers, administrators, and students or to managers and coworkers. There are ways to help people understand your situation and point of view.
It may be difficult to talk to your partner, friends, and family about your psoriasis and how it affects your life. You’ll probably feel embarrassed, or that you might drive people away if only they knew the truth about you. But embarrassment is natural, and the people who care about you want to know how to support you. Don’t avoid these conversations, embrace them.
Psoriasis is nothing to be embarrassed about, but you may not want it to be the first thing someone sees. Certain clothes and fabrics, combined with moisturizing, can help you look and feel your best in any situation or season.
Please speak with a health care professional if you are struggling with day to day life with psoriasis.
The itch of psoriasis may have a bigger impact on quality of life than the visible effect of the disease. Learn how you can help manage itch by contacting our free Patient Navigation Center.
Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch can be a symptom of psoriasis. Additionally, if your skin is dry, you may experience more severe psoriasis flares. If you are looking for a product to keep your skin moisturized, learn more about NPF's Seal of Recognition, which highlights over-the-counter products that are intended to be safe and effective for people with psoriatic disease. Learn more about how to keep your skin healthy with our free guide.
Nail psoriasis can affect several digits (fingers and toes), and related pain and tenderness can impact daily activities. Common signs of nail psoriasis include pitting, deformation, thickening, onycholysis, and discoloration. Request a free nail psoriasis fact sheet.
Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA). If you are experiencing swollen and stiff joints, you can answer 5 short questions to screen for PsA with NPF's PEST tool.
People with psoriasis are more likely to become depressed. It's important to look for symptoms of depression and seek treatment if you need it. Learn how to cope with depression with our quick guide on emotional impacts from the Patient Navigation Center.
For women, treating psoriasis has extra considerations, including pregnancy and intimacy.
Learn more about living with psoriasis as a woman
Psoriasis affects men and women at an equal rate but treating psoriasis as a man may take some extra considerations.
Learn more about living with psoriasis as a man
Psoriatic disease presents a unique challenge for children and teens, and their families.
Learn more about living with psoriasis as a childThe National Psoriasis Foundation has tools, resources and programs to help you manage your psoriasis and thrive in your life.
Talk to others living with psoriasis in our One to One peer-mentor program.
Check out our Psound Bytes™ podcast series for people living with psoriatic disease.
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Last updated on 10/27/2023 by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
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