The Psychological Impact of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by dry, flaky skin. Thought to be a result of a glitch in the immune system, this disease wreaks havoc not only on the sufferer's body, but also on the sufferer's psychological well-being.

Social Anxiety

• Psoriasis sometimes can be covered, but sometimes there is little way to avoid the affected areas of skin being seen. For instance, if patches appear on the face, they cannot be covered, and if the affected area is the scalp, skin can flake onto the hair and onto the shoulders, giving the impression of dandruff. This can lead to social anxiety for two reasons. First, the person with the condition may not want to enter social situations for fear he will be teased about how he looks. Secondly, he may experience social anxiety because others may react negatively due to fear that the condition is contagious (it is not).

Stress

• Those with psoriasis experience stress on many levels. They have to deal with treating the condition on a daily basis, as well as trying to make the affected area(s) of skin look "presentable" to others. They may also have to deal with the stress of ridicule about the condition, as well as the stress of feeling different. This stress can lead to frequent or constant anxiety.

Low Self-Esteem

• Often, those with psoriasis do not like how they look because of their skin. They feel as though they are ugly or that they are not the same as others. This feeling of alienation leads to depression and low self-esteem. This can be made worse if others act negatively toward them solely because of the psoriasis, or if others cannot understand how aggravating or painful psoriasis can be.

Coping Mechanisms

• The anxiety and low self-esteem that often accompanies psoriasis can produce coping behaviors that are not good for the sufferer. For example, a sufferer may act out violently, or he may develop self-harming actions, such as skin picking or cutting. In severe cases, depression even may produce thoughts of suicide. If these behaviors or thoughts begin to manifest, immediate action is necessary to get the sufferer help. The sufferer needs a strong support network.

Support

• When an individual is experiencing negative psychological impacts due to psoriasis, it is best to find a person or group of people who can help. Other people who have the condition can provide much needed empathy, while friends and family can provide emotional encouragement. Dermatologists also can provide support by helping the sufferer through her treatments in a personal and caring manner.