Psoriasis has its own commercials on television, advertisements on the internet, and creams at the local drugs stores, but do people actually know what it is? It is much more than flaky or itchy skin.
You can relieve your psoriasis with natural psoriasis treatments but the condition is not curable. This may be difficult to accept and in the beginning all kinds of feelings and thoughts can emerge.
Thoughts and Feelings
A lot can be done for psoriasis but the treatments have limits. The medical science, no matter how advanced, is not able to cure this condition. You might be angry at the doctor who no longer can provide help, or you feel annoyed by your friends, because they have no problems with their health. You may be afraid and uncertain about the future: Can I still do the things I want to do? Will others still find me beautiful? You may feel helpless: you are a victim of psoriasis, your body lets you down.
Some people will feel ashamed of their body and all these feelings are very normal. You rather would not like to have psoriasis, but you will be surprised how many people have the same as you. There will be moments that your psoriasis will flare and no matter how bad you feel, you will get up and realize one day that psoriasis belongs to your life now!
Slowly you will be going to look for ways to live with psoriasis. Maybe you will search the web to find an answer, or you start by looking for other people with psoriasis. Go to psoriasis forums or find a group near your home. You will see that you are not alone!
Difficult Times
Most people will learn to live with their psoriasis. The sooner you accept, the easier it will be. However, many people who have psoriasis for a long time will have days that they recall all the many negative feelings and thoughts.
“Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. Negative thoughts and emotions are what often keep people in the condition they are in. Illness and disease happens, but it is the negative thoughts and emotions that keep us from healing quickly, or at all. Daily affirmations may sound like a lot of hocus pocus, but it is amazing what can happen when we get rid of the negative energy and replace it with positive.”
Hope and disappointment
The symptoms of psoriasis are very irregular. After a long period with little or no psoriasis you hope that you have cheated the skin disease and that it will never come back. When the symptoms flare up, then again you realize that you will always have your psoriasis.
Consequences of a visible condition
Loss of self confidence
You can begin to doubt. You are aware of your affected skin and will try to hide it all the time. Unpleasant reactions of others will make you feel ashamed and it’s easy to enter in a downward spiral.
It will be easy to doubt many decisions. Some people prefer to stay home instead of going to the beach, you will never wear short sleeves anymore, you will not go to football training anymore because you are scared they will see the spots. Some people with psoriasis are afraid that they will never find a girl/boy friend.
Social isolation
The impact on your social life can be enormous. You’ll avoid activities or cancel appointments and holidays because you are afraid that you might have a flare. You might be afraid to see the surprised faces when they see your psoriasis. You are afraid to start a relationship because you’re afraid of rejection.
Avoidance will only help until a certain point. You will have to accept that you have your psoriasis and some days will be better than others.
Reaction of others
In contrast to many other conditions, your symptoms are located on the outside of the body: in the view for everybody to see. In a way, you therefore have no privacy of your psoriasis. You will always be remembered. Not only when you look in the mirror or find dander on your clothes, but also because of the reaction of others.
How others respond you can’t control and therefore you may feel vulnerable. Maybe you are dealing with incomprehension, fear, prejudice or even clear aversion. A nasty comment or look can bring you out of balance.
