Speak Clearly: Perspectives on psoriasis

Remaining positive through the good and bad days with psoriasis

With big jumpers, long sleeves and warm jeans coming back into season, it’s also the time of year in which I find myself more frequently covering my psoriasis with clothes, and, admittedly, this can be a welcomed relief from the pain of navigating summer wardrobes with visible and unpredictable patches of psoriasis.

However, winter also brings a drop in temperature, causing a whole different array of psoriasis problems. My psoriasis tends to flare more in the winter than it does in the summer, so I find it challenging to stay positive and motivated when the temperature starts dropping. 

That’s the thing with psoriasis – there’s always pros and cons. Your skin gets better in summer, however, dressing to hide it is harder in the warmer weather. Your skin gets worse in winter, however, dressing to hide it gets easier under the layers of clothes.

There are a few key things that I remind myself of around this time of year to keep me focused:

• The flare or the bad days won’t last forever – take the pressure off, hunker down and practice some self-care. This can mean making sure you’re getting enough sleep, maintaining your daily skincare routine or exercising regularly. As much as possible, try and make yourself feel good in the now. Tomorrow will be better. 
• Remain curious about your condition – I’ve had psoriasis for over 30 years now, and learn something new every week, including better ways to manage it. Keep the conversations going with your doctor and remain open to learning and trying new things.
• Focus on your mental as much as your physical health – psoriasis impacts all aspects of your life, but too often it’s only the physical aspects that are discussed. This year I have really focused on reframing some of the negative thoughts I have toward my condition and have started treating it – and me – with more compassion and care. It’s gone a long way toward me creating a more positive mindset. Take time to research and understand how psoriasis can affect your mental health and find ways to be kinder to yourself.
• I am not alone! There’s a community out there ready to ride the wave with you. The acceptance, confidence, and resilience I have gained from the psoriasis community is priceless. They can help you find the strength and motivation to face any day with psoriasis – good or bad. 

This article is written by Lianne, a psoriasis patient. The experiences shared in this post do not necessarily reflect the experiences of all psoriasis patients. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or need support.

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