Work considerations

Handling yourself professionally

Managing psoriasis in the workplace can pose its own challenges. These include how you can cope with flares on the job, interactions with coworkers, how they may think about your disease, and their curiosity about how psoriasis may affect your work.

Read about the importance of open communication and tips on how to talk to coworkers, so you may feel more at ease when it comes to sharing information about your condition.

Communication is key

It may not be easy talking to your boss or coworkers about psoriasis, especially if they're not familiar with the condition. A discussion about your psoriasis is a highly personal one that may make you feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even afraid.

At the same time, addressing your situation directly can help you manage it. When you educate those around you about psoriasis, you may create an opportunity to:

Correct misconceptions
Gain support from your colleagues
Transform your workplace into a more open environment for everyone

Tips for talking to coworkers

Don't put it off—The sooner your coworkers understand that you have psoriasis, the less misinformation you may have to correct. Most likely, they'll appreciate your candor—and your courage. For example, you might say something like this: "I don't want you to be distracted by what you see on my hands (or face, etc.). So let me put everyone's mind at ease. I have psoriasis. It's not contagious; it's not infectious, but it can be itchy and annoying."

Others will take their cue from you—Most people will be eager for you to feel comfortable, just as you would be if the situation were reversed. The more you can communicate that you're at ease with psoriasis, the easier it may be for others to understand your situation.

Be upbeat and casual; take the lead—Let coworkers know right away that psoriasis isn't contagious. If your skin flares at times, let them know what that's like for you. Make it clear that psoriasis is something you live with and that you can pull your own weight.

Prioritize your work when flares occur—Concentrate on your most important tasks when you have the most energy. Overdoing things may trigger exhaustion and stress, which may make your psoriasis even worse.

Stay positive—Don't let negative thoughts take over when you're having a low-energy day or feeling down. Try to stay in control of how you relate to the disease.

Be informed—Check out our Resources Library, so you're familiar with the latest developments in psoriasis treatment and care, and so you're able to answer questions that might come up. For coworkers who have further questions, consider sharing an article or the address of a website that you've found helpful. Encourage them to explore the section in this website about relating to someone with psoriasis.

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If you choose not to talk about psoriasis at work

You may prefer not to talk about your disease at work. And it's your right to make that choice. But the stress of keeping psoriasis a secret may actually make the condition worse.