The Emotional Toll When A Scalp Psoriasis Flare Gets Worse

It’s been some time since I wrote about my scalp psoriasis management. My plan consisted of using coconut oil and a shower cap, keeping my hair short, and updating my medical team with all that was going on while trying to stay positive.

My scalp psoriasis routine seems to be working...

To some degree, this has been successful. The coconut oil has kept the plaques from building up and becoming difficult to remove. Meanwhile, keeping my hair short has allowed me to better apply the coconut oil and reduce the flakes from falling onto my clothes.

But I have to admit that I have struggled with staying positive part and keeping my medical team informed. It’s been some time since I saw my dermatologist, but I do intend on my next visit to let them know about what’s going on in my scalp.

At this stage, however, the condition of my scalp isn't too bad. Even though the condition has spread across new areas of the scalp, and it means I’m having to use coconut oil more frequently to lift the plaques and keep them from becoming too much of a nuisance, I'm coping well. I also have more regular hair cuts, as I can, and this really helps too.

But, what if it gets worse?

While I'm coping well, there is a nagging feeling that it could get worse. My worry centers on the visibility of the condition rather than the frequency of applying coconut oil and using a shower cap, or going for regular haircuts.

If my scalp psoriasis worsens, it will become difficult for me to cut my hair, or the scales could become so thick the coconut oil fails to adequately lift them, so in turn, it becomes very noticeable. As if this wasn't enough, there could be an added cost to my mental health.

I often write about staying happy and thinking about psoriasis differently - and there is a lot of merit in that. This is such a disabling condition. The patches are red, itchy, and angry. When it’s noticeable, people stare, look at you, or may make mean comments. When I was younger, a lot of this would have affected me.

Easing the emotional burden

Now? Less so, but that doesn’t mean I can always ignore it. Discussions with those close to me have helped, though. Sometimes I forget how important it can be to open up and discuss with those around us what we’re going through.

Whether it’s the simple itch of psoriasis, how it looks, or just the day-to-day burden of dealing with a chronic condition, simply telling someone can really make a difference. Don’t get me wrong: talking won’t get rid of the plaques, take away the itch or reduce the redness.

Yet, what it will do is help you deal with it and see what support network you have.

Continue to find what works for you.

Psoriasis is chronic. We have to remember that. Unfortunately, we have been given this condition, and much of the process that comes with it means we have to learn to deal with it. There are going to be ups and downs.

There are going to be times when we want to shut away from the world when we’re too embarrassed or feel too low to step outside. Yet, chatting to loved ones and remembering that we’re still here, we’re still fighting, and we’re still doing our best can lift us up and move us through a bad patch. And right now, that’s what’s helping me.