Dealing With Self Image

(LifeWire) - People who suffer from psoriasis must deal not only with a physical disease, but the impact it can have on their self-image. This may be shaped by their personal thoughts, as well as the reactions of others to their condition.

Few would dispute that first impressions are important. Perceptions received in an instant often seem to stick. In the case of psoriasis, many may have a negative reaction when seeing a sufferer's skin covered with scaly, red lesions.

Getting past the initial reactions of others, as well as any misconceptions that may have about psoriasis, is one of the biggest challenges facing those with the chronic disease. Just as important is the ability to maintain a positive self-image. This can be particularly difficult because psoriasis lesions can unpredictably appear on any body part, including highly visible areas such as the face, neck, hands and forearms.

Psoriasis is an immune system disorder that causes new skin cells to attempt to replace older ones 10 times more rapidly than normal. The result is thick, silver-scaled, patchy growths that can not only be painful and itchy but also arouse discomfort and curiosity among those unfamiliar with the condition.

"I often hear comments," says Leah Bird, 55, a Newton, Mass., resident. "I just tell people it's psoriasis and that it's not contagious. I think that's what people are concerned about."

Experts say being forthright about the condition with others is one of the best ways to deal with fretful first meetings, whether in or out of the workplace. They suggest -- especially at a new job -- that those with psoriasis let their managers know that the disease is not contagious, although it may sometimes be unsightly or painful. You can emphasize that you will make every effort to be as productive as possible. A similar conversation with co-workers can help to dispel any potential misunderstandings.

Such plans, however, may face obstacles. A 2006 study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment sought to evaluate the negative impact of psoriasis on patients in the workplace. Researchers noted that further investigation is needed but concluded that psoriasis is linked to reduced productivity and social performance.

Then there is the personal impact. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about a quarter of all those with psoriasis suffer from depression. Symptoms can include constant fatigue, irritability, social withdrawal, difficulty sleeping, and changes in appetite and sex drive.

Feeling low in general -- combined with the effort required to manage the first impressions of others -- can make it especially challenging to maintain self-image. Some things you can do to boost self-image:

• Develop a Support System
  Psoriasis support groups exist on-line and in many cities. Sharing feelings with others who have similar experiences can help to "normalize" them. You can search for a National Psoriasis Foundation support group online. You can also connect with others concerned about psoriasis right here on About.com in the Psoriasis Forum.
  
• Dress for Success
  In addition to dressing for optimal comfort, say in loose clothing that doesn't rub against skin, choose fabrics made of cotton or other natural fibers. These materials perform better than synthetics, which can trap heat and moisture. It is also possible to choose clothing that will camouflage lesions, if you'd like to do so. Some people with psoriasis don't bother trying to cover their lesions, however, understanding that the disease is largely uncontrollable.

• Moisturize
  Using moisturizers regularly can help improve the appearance of the psoriasis patches themselves. Plus, any kind of self-pampering, including the simple act of rubbing down the skin in rich emollients, makes a body feel good.

• Exercising -- A proven stress-buster exercise releases feel-good chemicals into the bloodstream called endorphins and helps improve body image. While it may not tame psoriasis lesions, it can re-focus patients on physical aspects they can control -- like their fitness level.

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