Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes brittle patches of red skin with silvery scales. This condition usually attacks the scalp, knees, and elbows, but can also affect the nails, trunk, and legs.

The Psychological and Emotional Costs of Psoriasis

Psoriasis can have severe psychological damage due to the feeling of exclusion or isolation. Dealing with the chronic discomfort caused by psoriasis is difficult, which in turn affects your emotions. Evidence suggests that stressing about the condition makes treatment less effective. Patients diagnosed with psoriasis complain about the tremendous changes it creates in the quality of life such as diabetes and heart disease. Psychologists argue that the emotional effects brought about by psoriasis can be worse than the physical effects. People may treat those suffering differently, and their relationships may be affected. Depending on the affected area, people may be afraid of associating with the patients because some may not understand psoriasis as a medical condition. Such patients may find it difficult to turn up in social gatherings and their self-esteem may be greatly dented.

Coping with Psoriasis

People with psoriasis are advised to explain to people, especially friends and family, about the condition. Clarify that it is not curable, but can be managed. It is also highly advisable to make it clear to them that it does not have any correlation with poor hygiene and it is not contagious. You cannot educate everyone on psoriasis, therefore, ignore the strange stares, and learn to cope.

If the emotional and psychological costs take a toll on you, try seeking help. Your doctor may administer antidepressant medications to help you cope with the effects. You may join a support group, but it is worthwhile to talk it through with your doctor. Support groups enlighten you on better strategies for dealing with psoriasis. Seeking professional help such as visiting a therapist may be advised by your doctor. Your doctor will recommend a number of therapists who have an experience in this area.

Even though living with psoriasis is a unique challenge, you have to understand that it is not the end of the world. Most importantly, the healthcare providers are becoming increasingly aware of the impacts this illness can have on a person’s quality of life. Doctors are now, more than ever, focused on finding solutions to these challenges.

Things to avoid for better management of psoriasis

Even though the preventive measures for psoriasis remain a mystery, cutting back some of the triggering factors may help in prevention and management of the condition. For instance, food cannot cure or even treat psoriasis, but by eating better you reduce the risk of developing it. Dermatologists assert that increasing your intake of proteins that contain omega-3 fatty acids such as shrimp, sardines, salmons, soybeans, flaxseeds, and walnut may help prevent and manage psoriasis. They also recommend that you avoid triggers such as smoking, alcohol, dairy products, processed foods, red meat, and refined sugar. Losing weight is another lifestyle change that may help reduce the disease’s severity.