If you feel that your psoriasis is a very personal weight on your shoulders that you are reluctant to share with others, you might be subjecting yourself to unnecessary anxiety and stress. Opening up about your condition to your friends, family and trusted work colleagues can be a huge relief and make you feel much more secure.
It's understandable if you feel awkward in social situations or places where your skin is on show. Yet by rising above your embarrassment and opening up to the people who matter, you can extend your support system and reduce your everyday anxieties.
Many people living with psoriasis believe that what they eat can modify the severity of their psoriasis symptoms. Find out more about the impact of food here.
Communication is the key to ensuring your partner's support and understanding
Without a decent working knowledge of your condition, it can be difficult for your friends and family to understand your situation. Taking the step to keep them informed about your psoriasis can allow them to support you practically and emotionally. It can also alleviate your stress and worry.
Feelings of shame are common with psoriasis, but there are numerous ways you can improve your self-confidence. Try some of these strategies to help you learn how to dispel negative feelings and accept yourself for who you are; then build on your personal attributes, finding new skills to master or new interests to pursue.
If you're self-conscious or embarrassed about your psoriasis, you're not alone. Although your reaction is perfectly normal, it can really benefit you to be able to put things into perspective so self-consciousness doesn't get in the way of your treatment or quality of life.
Dealing with psoriasis at work? Find out what to do
If you feel you're having to deal with curiosity about your condition in your workplace, it can be a good idea to be open and forthright.
A positive approach can do wonders to counteract the emotional impact of psoriasis. Concentrating on the things you like about yourself and the activities that make you feel vital, rather than the aspects of your condition that make you fed up, will lower your stress levels. Here's some advice about how to find - and keep - the elusive feel-good factor.
Being embarrassed about your appearance because of your psoriasis can be emotionally draining, as well as cause anxiety and stress. Celebrating your inner strength can help increase your self-esteem and give you the confidence to show your skin in public. After all, who judges a book by its cover?
