One of the biggest places that many people have trouble dealing with psoriasis is in the workplace. It can be hard enough telling mere acquaintances about your ordeal without sounding whiny, but in the workplace, it is imperative that employers, human resource personnel, immediate supervisors, and various co-workers understand the disease and the debilitating conditions that can arise from having psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.
If these people do not understand the disease or its intensity, your work history can be blemished in their minds at the very least - and through reports (which can lead to termination) in worst cases.

Regarding the latter of these, you may do well to go ahead and apply for disability even if you don't feel that you need it for medical or income reasons. If you are legally disabled because of your disease, you will not have the fear of termination because of your psoriasis.

Employers gain in tax cuts for having legally disabled employees as well, so this is not a one-sided issue. By having a legally disabled status, you will also have a bit of control over how your work environment affects your psoriasis. For example, a certain chemical is being used to clean your desk and you find that you are allergic to it.

If it seems to be affecting your psoriasis, you would have a legitimate claim to ask your employer to have its use discontinued around your desk at the very least. Your employer is obliged to work something out that will benefit you both. This is only true in circumstances where your disability is affected by the environment.

As in your other relationships, your work relationships will require you to teach others about psoriasis, being as open and honest as you can. With employers, if your job can be done from the home, they may agree to let you telecommute on days that symptom flare-ups are too bad to come in. Let them know the intensity of flare-ups and the effect that the flare-ups have on the people in your personal relationships.

By sharing this information, they will understand that you are trying to make a workable compromise for those days that the symptoms are simply too bad for you to leave your house. Co-workers are likely to have to take up some slack on days that you cannot come in and will see lesions at other times. By informing them about psoriasis, you save both you and them unnecessary headaches in the long run.

1. Don't 'Wing it.' Plan how and when to discuss your psoriasis with co-workers or supervisors. Education about psoriasis will be necessary. Begin by researching all the changes that could make your job as productive as possible.

2. Find Compromises. Schedule a meeting with your supervisor (preferably including a human resources employee, as well) at a time when are both relaxed. Being plain and clear, describe the effects of the psoriasis concerning your work. The goal is to find ways to resolve the problem that will benefit everyone.

3. Offer alternatives. Be prepared to offer suggestions for possible changes, such as using assistive devices. Assistive devices are items you may need to help you do your job more easily.

4. Talk to your co-workers. Co-workers can become resentful if they feel that they are overburdened. Explain to them how the psoriasis affects your ability to work, but that you are making reasonable accommodations.

5. Don't Push It. 'Overdoing it' can trigger exhaustion, and potentially worsen a psoriasis flare. Set priorities and pace yourself. Prioritize your tasks, doing the most important ones while you feel the most capable, lesser tasks can be done when you are less energetic.

6. Keep Health a Concern. Minimize lifting, reaching, carrying, holding or walking through area organization. Make a point to move a bit at regular intervals. Get the rest you need for a successful work day.

7. Create a Support Network. Whether disabled or not, other employees have issues that require support; by creating a network, everybody benefits from it.

8. Keep Your Head Up. Remember that your attitude about yourself and your disease are often mirrored in those around you. By keeping a positive attitude, you are creating an attractive mirror image.