What Does Psoriasis Feel Like?

Sometimes being a patient with psoriasis I come across people who are curious about the subject. Recently, I was asked the question how does psoriasis feel? I have to pause and think about what I should say. When you live with a chronic long term disease you sometimes don't think about the obvious things. In my case, 28 years, of living with it made me have to think. Do I answer the question like it's the first time  or do I discuss the mental and physical sides of the disease. Ultimately I decide to discuss both.

Physically, psoriasis feels like...

Psoriasis feels like rough patches that are raised. There are cracks in and around the patches. Dry, scratchy and sometimes itchy are the way I would describe the plaque patches. Psoriasis can feel raw, sore, tender, painful and often warm. Each patch is rough compared to the non affected areas which are smooth and supple. Swelling and stiffness often accompanies the patches. Some patches start off as tiny tear drop shapes that grow into one another and spread to be larger. Some areas grow in size to cover handfuls of effected skin.

Mentally, psoriasis feels like...

Psoriasis can change your mental thoughts about yourself. Having psoriasis can make you feel different, alone, scared, angry, sad, and ashamed. There is no end to the range of emotions that can occur with psoriasis. Being scared when you hear that it is chronic is completely normal and most of us have felt that way. Being sad is a given. You feel like your life is being interrupted! You are not sure what your future holds, but you know it won't be the same as it was yesterday. Feeling different in a world of people can make you seem like you are alone and stand out among everyone! Being angry that you have it is a real feeling too. Wanting to know what you did or didn't do that gave you this is a common thought.

You are not alone

No matter what your feeling it's important to know you are not the only one! Some people feel ashamed of it and cover it. Myself, I cover it when I want to look very nice. Otherwise, I have come to terms with it and it showing is just a part of who I am.

In the very beginning, I didn't want anyone to know that I had this horrible condition. I used to hide it. As I began to realize that it was a disease that I have, but not who I am, I no longer hide. For me, it is a part of the healing process. When I start to advocate and share my story I feel no need to hide. Letting people know that yes, I have it, and it is awful makes me embrace it. Now my plaques are like badges. Badges that show my journey. Learning to accept them and how to handle my emotions with them becomes easier when I tell my story. It helps others.

Am I brave?

When I began sharing my story I had people tell me I was brave. I never thought of myself as brave. After another patient came and talked to me she told me that she could never be brave enough to tell so many. When I hear her say that I asked her what it was like for her. She began to tell me how she has been dealing with her diagnoses. We discuss medical treatments. I shared a few of my treatments. Then I stopped her and said, "you did it!" she turned her head and looks at me confused. "You just shared your story with me! How do you feel?" Her jaw dropped open. She got tears in her eyes and said, "Oh my you are right!" She sniffled a bit wiped her tears and I hugged her. Today she is an advocate.

How do you feel? Do you share your story with others? Did you know each time you tell someone how you feel you are an advocate? Just those few minutes you discuss it you have now made someone else aware. You are an expert about you. Telling someone else your story shares your knowledge. You are an educator about You.