Is Psoriasis Different in Men and Women?

Have you ever wondered who gets psoriasis more, men or woman and how does it affect us differently? We have all heard that psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which affects the cells in our body. I have had psoriasis for over 50 years and had never seen a man with it until I was 45 years old. I actually thought that men did not get this disease. I didn’t have a clue how many people in this world had this disease.

Are there any differences if a man gets psoriasis as to a woman? I tried to find information about some of these differences. If a man gets psoriasis on their scalp, they can cut all their hair off. It would be a nightmare for a woman to have to shave all her hair off because psoriasis may be so bad on her scalp. This happened to me because I had it so bad in my hair. I had to have my head shaved at 5 years old and can remember everything that happened at that moment. I am now 59 and that terror seems like it happened yesterday.

What does research tell us?

Research has shown there is more depression in men than women with psoriasis. They have more low self-esteem and insecurity during relationships. I know for myself, I had insecurity when I was covered over 80 to 90 percent of my body. I would imagine that it would be difficult for a man to tell a lady they may be dating that they were diagnosed with plaque psoriasis and it was all over their body.

Research also states that most men with psoriasis are obese with underlying health issues. I have talked to men that have been diagnosed with psoriasis and they tell me how it affects them completely different, but I also see some of these same similarities in women too. I think everybody has their own experience.

I know there all types of triggers. For instance I don’t smoke or drink; however, psoriasis may affect someone differently if they use tobacco or drink.

There are different infections that men and women get that may be of a different kind. A lot of people are affected by allergies and depending on their allergies, it can affect their body differently as well.

We're all the same?

Both men and women are treated with biologics. In looking at these differences I think there is really no certainties but we can just speculate. I often wonder if a man likes taking injections or pills. I’m sure it would depend on the individual. My personal thing is I know for me when you get as bad as I was, it doesn’t matter what your gender is, you just want to take the treatment that will make you better.

At the end of the day, man or woman, we are all humans and psoriasis affects our whole bodies. I know from being a woman that complications can show up at any time. Whatever challenges you may face having this disease, remember you are not alone. Being burdened with psoriasis is not an option for me, but the management of my disease is.

I tell people that psoriasis is a chronic condition. It is not just dry skin.