What Are Some Things You Shouldn’t Say To Us With Psoriasis?

If you have psoriasis, you know that living with this illness is very difficult. People have the nerve to make comments about it. If you are in this condition like me, then you know that things people say can make us cringe. Most people don’t understand what it’s like to live with psoriasis or how their actions and comments affect us. I want to share some important points that I have learned over the years.

It's not "just" a skin condition

⁠It makes me crazy when people say it’s "just" a skin condition. They don’t have a clue. Yeah, psoriasis can affect the skin. It is an autoimmune condition that is attacking my own body. The pain and itching are constant. Trust me, that it’s not just a skin disorder. It also affects my joints (psoriatic arthritis) and making the pain worse. So no, it is not just a skin disorder.

"Why don’t you just used some good lotion?" If it was that easy, don’t you think we all would be doing it. Moisturizing is an important part of managing psoriasis, but it is not the cure. It is a chronic disorder that needs more than just lotion. I have tried so many treatments over the years such as phototherapy, topical creams, shots, tanning machines, water treatment, old school remedies, diet, exercise. People say for us to use some lotion, but it is more than just using lotion for us.

No, I’m not contagious. This disease is not a catchy one. You don’t get it from touching or being in the same room to contact it. I know that not everyone has knowledge about psoriasis, but it is very hurtful to me that people see me like some potential threat. I have had business people who refuse to touch me.

"Isn't there a cure?"

Or: "why don’t you try this?" Really, if there was actually a "cure", we would be all over it. Everybody say that to cure psoriasis you can do things like change your diet, some magical oil, or some herbal remedy they found online. I know that people want to help me. But they don’t understand it's sometime very hurtful to give us advice. You are not a doctor. Believe me, I don’t think there is a magical treatment. If it was I believe that after but 61 years I would have run across it by now. You also have to remember that this illness varies from person to person.

At least it’s not life-threatening. How do you know it’s not? I have been in the hospital twice with my psoriasis, so it can be very serious. The continuous battle with this disease is very difficult.

"It doesn't look that bad"

Well, it doesn’t really look that bad. If the symptoms are mild, it is still affecting me. I have the discomfort, itching and scratching. This illness comes in cycles. Just remember that looks don’t reflect the full story.

In closing, I would like to say. Try to avoid these comments and many more that can hurt us in way you can’t imagine. Instead be supportive as we equally need emotional support when dealing with this condition. Try to be mindful and always have empathy.

We are all in this together.