It's nice to get advice from family, friends, and doctors. But it's also great to get feedback from people who really know what you're going through. Our panel includes people from all walks of life who have psoriasis. Here, they give answers to some of the most popular questions asked. Take a look—some may help you, too.
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My mom has pretty bad psoriasis and is really stressed about it. She constantly tries to cover it up. I want to take her on a trip to get her mind off it for awhile. Where can we go that may help her feel better?
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I think worrying about it and covering it up can cause more stress.
Maybe an annual trip to one of the more than 200 natural mineral spring destinations here in the United States and in Canada could be relaxing and therapeutic. Or, if it isn't a financial issue, I've heard there are places to visit at the Dead Sea that have helped even the worst cases.
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My scalp is really flaky, especially in the winter. Are there any helpful shampoos I can try without having a prescription?
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There are lots of over-the-counter shampoos available that contain coal tar or salicylic acid. In fact, you can find a link to some of them and learn more about shampoos right here on psoriasisconnect.com.
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One of my coworkers just told me she has psoriasis. I don't know much about it. Is it contagious?
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Not at all. Psoriasis isn't even slightly contagious. It's a condition of the immune system in which the body produces skin too rapidly. Psoriasis may have genetic components that can cause you to be more at risk of developing the condition. The Psoriasis Explained section can tell you more.
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I'm trying to be supportive of my girlfriend who has psoriasis, but she never wants to talk about it. Should I keep trying to get her to open up?
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If you want to be supportive, try offering a few reassuring words now and then rather than trying to pressure her to talk about it. An even better approach may be to simply let her know how special she is and not refer to the psoriasis. If you'd like to learn more, check out the page about relating to someone with psoriasis.
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My boyfriend wants to start planning a vacation to the beach, but I can't even think about getting into a bathing suit. I'd really like to go, but I'm embarrassed. Any suggestions?
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Sun and relaxation can both be beneficial for psoriasis. And when you let psoriasis keep you from doing fun things and force you into hiding, the disease is controlling you, instead of you controlling the disease. There are other things to do at the beach besides lounging around in a bathing suit. If you feel uncomfortable, you can use a cover-up on the beach or do other things such as rent bikes or scooters, or go shopping. You could explore the area, or even catch up on reading. The choice is yours.
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I'm so tired of people staring at my psoriasis. Should I say something, or just pretend I don't notice?
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You should do whatever puts your mind at ease. It's considered rude to stare, but it may also be an opportunity to educate that person who is staring. If you are feeling uncomfortable because someone is staring at you, then mention something. If it will upset you more, then just consider them rude and ignore it. The best thing to do is to not let it bother you or affect your self-esteem. Take a look at what medical and psychological experts suggest in the Emotional Considerations and Work Considerations sections.
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I have psoriasis, two teenage boys, a job, and a house to take care of. I'd love to hear how other people having a flare-up manage to keep it all together.
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Remember to take time out for yourself, even if it means changing a few normal routines for your family. I try to take my daughter to the beach as much as I can in the summer so that I can get some beneficial sunlight and she can enjoy being at the beach at the same time. If you're not in a position to get to the beach, a half-hour bath with mineral salts can be very relaxing and may be good for the skin. I also try to keep my diet on the healthy side during flare-ups. And remember, stress worsens psoriasis and psoriasis increases your stress. So do whatever you can to break that cycle: look for a relaxation method that best works for you. Even a few minutes a day of deep breathing or meditation can make a big difference.
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