Are You Psoriasis Prejudice?

Most of my life, I was covered from head to toe in psoriasis scales that were itchy and aggravating. Yes, we have so many racial issues today, but when the idea of prejudice comes to my mind, it is towards those individuals who are prejudice toward psoriasis and other skin diseases.

Prejudice against psoriasis

We know that when one thinks of someone as being prejudice, it is normally a preconceived thought about a person or group. I know for myself there is a lot of ego, pride, and ugliness in prejudice. There have been times when my concern has not been because I was a woman, or I was an African American but because of my skin condition.

I was less worried about being a woman or a woman of color. I had plaque psoriasis, that’s what worried me more than anything in this world. I know this sounds crazy but I believe the prejudices I have experienced with having this disease are second to none. Of course, I’m older now but it was a challenge in my younger years to overcome this.

Handling prejudice comments

I have lost count of how many people have asked me if I’m contagious? Number one, if I was contagious why would I expose myself to other people? I know you don’t understand what’s on my skin but try to be sensitive. People used to stare and point. I know you want to know what I have, but please be nicer in your approach. These actions are very hurtful.

I’m sorry but I have more than a skin rash, so please don’t act like it’s nothing to worry about. This disease has brought on serious health problems. I have psoriatic arthritis, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. I try to take care of my health because of this.

I am an advocate for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I tell myself, there are many more serious problems in this world than a person questioning me about whether I will ever be healed of psoriasis. These negative, cruel and almost hostile verbiages towards my skin condition really have messed with me and my emotions.

Is this as good as it gets?

Relationships are very difficult. Can you imagine someone directly saying they don’t want to touch you or being rejected because of your skin? It’s something you might not want to bring up in a relationship, but it's important to let your partner know what is going on with you. Talk about the issue early in the relationship so there are no surprises.

In the past, I have allowed people to express their biases toward me. I now stop accepting everything I heard years ago. My favorite thing that people have started saying to me is just live with it; there is no cure. I didn’t expect this 50 years ago and I still don’t today.

Therefore, I advocate hard for this disease. We need to take control of our bodies. I have been covered from head to toe in scales and have lived in pain. I was at my wit's end when a doctor told me; this is as good as it gets. I will never believe that lie.

Overcoming psoriasis prejudice

I have always known there was something out there for me, and I have proven my point. If one doctor doesn’t help, go to another one. I have lost count of the number of doctors I’ve seen over the years. I have never been 100% clear, and I can live with that. I’m 60% clearer than I was years ago.

When people are prejudice against you, it hurts. I have made up so many stories to tell people about my disease because I didn’t want people to know that I had psoriasis. I used to say I had poison ivy, or it was something I ate that broke me out.

It doesn’t get easy when people shy away from you or treat you like you have a contagious disease. If it gets to be too much to handle, get involved. Join a support group or find someone to talk too that understands your situation. We are not alone in this fight.