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Free Beauty Tips Index => Psoriasis
She Has Psoriasis, What Do I Do?
by Louise Forrest
 
Someone you know or care about has either recently told you that they have psoriasis or has just been diagnosed. There are a number of things that you can do to provide strength and support.

Learn, Learn, Learn

Knowing about psoriasis (causes, symptoms, and social impact) will be one of the biggest things you can do for your family member or friend. If you have some understanding of the disease, while you can't truly sympathize, you will be able to empathize. Often, the natural tendency, when encountering an unknown factor, is to ignore it.

With psoriasis, this is harmful to the patient because you are not able to provide support and having a support network is crucial to the psoriasis sufferer. Your love and support will help your loved one cope, especially during outbreaks when self-image is the lowest.
 
The more you know about the disease, the stronger your offered support will be; both you and your loved one will feel much more comfortable if he/she does not constantly have to explain various aspects of the disease. Whatever you do, keep the relationship open, a closed relationship takes much needed support from your loved one. The following information and tips will help you in this crucial battle.
 
Facts and Figures
Although there is much to be learned about psoriasis, this list of facts will give you a good beginning in your journey. The closeness of your relationship with the patient and the extent of your role as a support agent will guide you as to how much research you collect about psoriasis. An excellent place for further information is The National Psoriasis Foundation (www.psoriasis.org) , where you will find more in-depth research and information concerning the disease and its repercussions.
 
Psoriasis is not contagious.
Triggers include stress, scrapes and breaks in skin, medications, and various common infections.
Psoriasis is a common skin disease, affecting approximately 100 million worldwide with approximately five to seven million of those people in the U.S. That's about 2% to 3% of the world's population.
One out of five people with psoriasis in the U.S. reports that the disease interferes with their ability to perform everyday tasks, including work and child care.
It is possible to claim Social Security Disability due to psoriasis that is aggressive enough to affect your work.
People who have had psoriasis since childhood tend to have more severe and prolonged psoriasis as adults.
The majority of patients are diagnosed with psoriasis between the ages of 15 and 30.
During symptom flare-ups, depression, anxiety, aggressive behaviors, and obsessive disorders may manifest themselves.
People with psoriasis may suffer from discomfort, including pain and itching, restricted motion in their joints, and emotional distress.
This skin disease can be incredibly frustrating, discomforting, and embarrassing.
Psoriasis takes a variety of forms that vary in intensity, duration, location, and type of skin symptoms.
Nearly 30% of people with psoriasis also have joint inflammation that produces painful arthritis symptoms called psoriatic arthritis.
 
Ok, I Know Something About Psoriasis, Now What?
Keep in mind that the deeper you knowledge, the better the comfort and support you will be able to offer. Family member will need to delve much deeper into psoriasis' informational vaults while most co-workers and acquaintances will need must less info, possibly this article and careful listening will be all you need. For those who need more information, The National Psoriasis Foundation, www.psoriasis.com , has a wealth of it.
 
Armed with knowledge, you will need to be aware of other issues psoriasis patients should take into consideration as well as things that you need to keep in mind when communicating. The following list will help guide you as you lend support to your loved one:
First, for both you and your loved one, you both need to realize that a support network has to be a number of friends, relatives, and co-workers.
Help the person you care about stay active. Social connection and activity are important stress relief.
Don't assume you know what another person wants or thinks.
Support groups are important.
Listen but don't push.
Don't pass judgment about lifestyle decisions.
Be a sounding board, not a control freak.
 
Additional tips for coworkers
You may notice someone's psoriasis, but they may not want to talk about it. Just be supportive if they decide to open up.
If the psoriasis is quite noticeable, try not to stare or act like it's a big deal. Feeling more self-conscious about whispers and stares can lead to extra stress for a person with psoriasis. And stress can trigger flare-ups.