When friends and family know howpsoriasisaffects you, they are better able to offer you support.
Psoriasisflare-upsare not always obvious to others.
General Strategies
People with psoriasis overwhelmingly feel that their condition affects their quality of life.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
Not knowing can be stressful for them, too.
Living with Plaque Psoriasis
Here are some tips to help you explain psoriasis to family and friends.
Be Honest and Calm
There will be times whenpsoriasis symptomsworsen.
Discuss with your loved one what these periods look like and what helps you to feel better.
You’ll want to keep an open mind to avoid misunderstandings.
Express concerns clearly and honestly while being considerate of your loved ones questions and concerns, too.
Be Specific
When asking for help, be as specific as possible.
It is your responsibility to communicate your health concerns and needs.
you could suggest ways friends and loved ones can help.
Let your loved one know your limitations.
That way you are acknowledging the two of you are a team.
Ask questions such as, What do you think?
or How do you feel about this?
Working as a team, you will find additional solutions you would not have figured out alone.
It will be helpful for them to know you are doing everything you could to stay healthy.
This will encourage them to step up when needed.
Psoriasis and eczema are both related to altered immune function, and they both involve an overactive immune system.
However, there are differences between these two conditions, including how they are treated and managed.
If an assumption comes up during your conversation, address it with straightforward facts and no judgment.
What to Say
Psoriasis is not contagious, even though that’s a common misconception.
You cannot catch it from someone else, even by being intimate.
Finding the right words can be hard.
Even directing someone where to look for information doesn’t explain how a disease specifically affects you.
There is also the difficulty in striking a balance in how much you should share about psoriasis.
You may also worry that too much detail may scare people off.
Then we can talk about how we both feel about this information.
For whatever reason, some people need to see something to believe it.
When people respond with prejudice, it is usually based on misinformation, misunderstanding, and even stereotypes.
I dont want to feel like I have to justify the effect psoriasis has on my health.
Id rather be able to come to you with confidence and share information and my concerns.
But don’t let these fears stop you from speaking up.
And yes, there will be people in your life whose love and support you may not get.
Unfortunately, some of these people may be close to you.
You are allowed to feel heartbroken over people’s past responses.
You also get to decide whether you could give people another opportunity to step up.
I know my having psoriasis can be difficult for you, as it is for me.
It is hard for others to understand you are not just accepting your fate.
Another problem that you may experience is unsolicited advice about diet, drugs, or supplements.
One way to handle this is to thank the person without addressing the advice.
In this way, it’s possible for you to avoid engaging in further dialogue about that information.
Summary
It can be difficult to talk to your friends and loved ones about your psoriasis.
However, you may find yourself needing their support, espeically during flare-ups.
Be specific about what you need and listen to their input.
Be prepared to address incorrect assumptions and make a run at have answers for anticipated reactions.
2018;102(5S):21-5.
