Psoriasis Scenarios! What Would You Do?

If you have psoriasis you will or have probably encountered some awkward moments. Check out these 3 common scenarios that happen to people with psoriasis every day. Through talking to different people with psoriasis, I've found a lot of times we aren't prepared for the social issues that accompany this disease. Check out these 3 scenarios and share what you would do! If you don't see an option you would choose, share your own with us on our Facebook page or in the comments below.

Scenario 1:

Casey has been extremely stressed with work and family and has expressed this to one of her co-workers. One day her co-worker surprises her with a "thinking of you card" which has a $60 gift certificate to visit a local spa. Casey's co-worker doesn't know Casey has psoriasis and because of her psoriasis she has never been to the spa. What should Casey do?

A. Thank her co-worker for the gift, but secretly not use the gift certificate.
B. Casey should tell the co-worker about her condition, express she is afraid to go to the spa, and why.
C. Just go to the spa and deal with the awkward feelings once there.

My thoughts: How many of us have avoided the spa due to fear of someone thinking we are contagious? I have been there myself but have learned ways to manage. Here are a few ways to cope:

Call ahead and ask the spa if they are familiar with psoriasis. If a spa says they aren't familiar with your condition move on to the next spa. There are plenty of places that know about psoriasis.

This moment can be used as a time to educate someone about psoriasis. Tell your co-worker you have never been to the spa and why. They probably have heard about psoriasis or know someone who has it. You never know where the conversation may lead. This moment opens up the door to educate someone about our condition.

If at the moment you just don't have the courage, thank your co-worker for their kind gesture and re-gift the certificate to someone else who can use it.

Scenario 2:

You are at work and one of your co-workers starts talking to you about Kim Kardashian's recent confession about having psoriasis on her face. Your co-worker doesn't know you have psoriasis and makes some really rude remarks about the disease, "If I had a skin disease like that I would just die. I couldn't imagine having something that looks like that on my body..." How would you respond?

A. Tell your co-worker what psoriasis is and that you have it.
B. Not say anything at all.
C. When no one is looking leave pamphlets about psoriasis in the break room or another common area.

My thoughts: It can be hard to address misconceptions of your disease if you are ashamed or afraid of what people will think about your psoriasis. If you aren't ashamed it's easy to voice your opinion and dispel myths. But if you are a person that's not quite comfortable with explaining or revealing your psoriasis there are informational sheets you can print off from the National Psoriasis Foundation which you can place on the bulletin board or at a table at work.

Scenario 3:

Your child has psoriasis. You receive a progress report and discover that your child has a D in gym class. You speak to your child who breaks down crying and says the reason for the poor grade is because they haven't been dressing out in their gym uniform. The policy is all kids must change in the locker room together at once. Your child says they don't want to change in front of others due to their psoriasis flare, and the teacher (who is unaware of the situation) will not allow him/her to dress in a private stall. What would you do?

A. Write a letter to the teacher explaining the situation.
B. Tell your child they have nothing to be ashamed of and encourage them to change with the rest of the students.
C. Contact the Principal.

My thoughts: This is a scenario that is similar to a situation with a child I mentored. A situation with a child is always tough for me. I was once a child with psoriasis. I'm not a parent yet, but I'm sure it's a challenge for guardians to figure out how hard to push. How do you push your child past their comfort zone without pressing too much? You don't want to force your child to change with others if they aren't comfortable, but you have to teach them to not be ashamed of their disease. I would do A and B, but in my opinion both options must co-exsist. You should tell the Principal and write a letter so you have record that the proper people were contacted in the case your child was discriminated against.