The Connections of Psoriatic Disease: The Impact of A Flare

Our community and dedicated community members here at PlaquePsoriasis.com and our sister site Psoriatic-Arthritis.com help us understand the deep and painful connections of psoriatic disease. In addition to engagement within our forums, stories, and comments, we gain valued insight from our annual In America Survey, which surveys real people living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

We do not take this responsibility lightly. Our top priorities have been to reshare information we have learned back to the community to provide emotional support, important resources, and that right kind of reassuring validation.

A look at flares across conditions

Along with social listening and official survey results, we are eager to share some of the connections and disconnections we have found across the psoriatic communities. So much, in fact, that we have created a few articles. We provided insight into the reality of remission and the fears that come with facing progression. In this article, we will be focusing on flare management.

Psoriasis and skin flares

Flares are periods of time when symptoms become worse than usual. When it comes to psoriasis, a flare can mean the appearance of new plaques in new locations and increase fatigue. Flares look different for everyone. One thing we can all agree on, the inconsistency and randomness of flares can take a big toll on how we manage our lives.

PsA and inflammation flares

Could even the word "flare" be triggering? Maybe. While flare might have originally been associated with a sudden burst of a bright flame or wide-legged pants, the word flare has taken on a whole new meaning when it comes to managing life with chronic illness. When it comes to PsA flares, inflammation rises with increased aches and pains.

What else does the community have to say?

Managing psoriasis and even the idea of the looming flare is not easy. We asked our Facebook community, "When psoriasis continues to spread, it’s frustrating and embarrassing. How would you describe a psoriasis flare?" Here are a few of their responses:

"Scratching a bad sunburn then pouring alcohol on it"
"They are painful. They burn when I try to simply wash them with water"
"If I damage my skin in any way, it's almost guaranteed to be a new spot of psoriasis"

Learn more about finding relief for the next flare

Direct from psoriasis advocates, take a look at how flares can impact so many areas of our lives. Clair takes a look at the weather and managing the seasonal flare. While Jack answers the question and shares his own insight into "What can make a psoriasis flare worse?"

Looking for something to share with those who may not get it? Gemma breaks down what not to say to her when she is anxious about flaring.

We are here for you

Psoriasis can take a significant emotional and physical toll in so many areas of our daily life. Here at PlaquePsoriasis.com, we are a community that offers a safe place for sharing, support, validation, and kindness. However you feel comfortable getting involved, we are here for you.

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