8 Memes That Describe What It Is like to Have Psoriasis

Living with psoriasis can sometimes be a hassle, the struggle never seems to disappear completely however, the longer you live with the condition you learn how to cope and manage. Check out these 8 memes which sum up what it's like to have psoriasis in a hilarious way.

"Just use lotion"

This is actually the face I make when people offer suggest moisturizing as an effective aid to help rid me of psoriasis. Yes, those of us with psoriasis have dry skin, however, lotion will only help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis for a short time. Lotion does not and will not cure psoriasis.

Is psoriasis causing my depression? 

People living with psoriasis are more likely to be depressed compared to people without chronic illness. So the question remains, is the depression due to psoriasis or psoriasis due to the stress and depression? Studies have also revealed depression typically decreases among people who have found an effective treatment to suppress their psoriasis symptoms.¹

The struggle with treatment

Biologics are some of the most effective treatment options for psoriasis, however using these drugs could potentially come at a heavy price. A biologic's goal is to suppress the overreactive area of the immune system responsible for the symptoms of psoriasis. The downside to these drugs is suppressing the immune system may increase an individual's chances of infections and cancer. Be sure to discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of these drugs.

It's more than dryness

Dry skin is a symptom of psoriasis but the disease runs deep, right down to the immune system. Living with psoriasis is more than the dry, cracked, inflamed skin one might see with the naked eye.

There is no cure

Living with a chronic disease is lifelong, it takes persistence to manage the condition and most times the mechanics of psoriasis is unpredictable. Currently, my psoriasis is suppressed with a biologic, but I STILL have to worry about when and if my treatment will stop working and if my psoriasis will come back. Until a cure is found no matter how well it may seem you are doing the status is unpredictable.

Stress can cause flares

Research shows that stress is the number one factor for flares in people living with psoriasis. At times dealing with people can be the biggest stressors.

Unsolicited advice 

People always want to help, even when you don't ask for their advice. I can't count how many times people have provided suggestions about my disease that I just didn't ask for, they think they are being helpful but oftentimes it's just annoying.

Psoriasis does not come alone

If someone is living with psoriasis they have an increased chance of having to deal with 10 other comorbidities including arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, just to name a few.