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Taking charge of your health care

Psoriasis is a chronic disease. There’s a big difference between treating a chronic disease versus an acute disease such as strep throat. With acute conditions, you see the doctor once and do something that cures it right away. A chronic disease like psoriasis doesn’t have a cure. You might have to see your doctor many times and try a lot of things to stop the itching and flaking. The symptoms also can come and go. Since there’s no cure for psoriasis, you have to learn how to live with it.

Create your own “P-team” of people who support you.

• Learn ways to handle the emotions that come with having a chronic disease.
• Have a strong relationship with your health care professional.
• Take care of your overall health

Don’t forget about the rest of you

Psoriasis can take up a lot of your time. Putting on creams, going to the doctor, learning about treatments, talking to others about it…it’s a lot to think about! However, psoriasis is just one part of your life. Take care of your overall health – it is just as important as treating your psoriasis.

Emotions - It’s important to find healthy ways to deal with your emotions. Find something that helps you relax, whether it’s writing, yoga, meditation or something else that makes you smile.

Get active - Anytime you move, that is physical activity! Leg raises while sitting in a chair, walking and yoga are all examples of physical activity. Doing something active on a regular basis will make you feel better, both physically and mentally.

Healthy eating - Ignore all the stories about fad diets and crazy weight-loss schemes. Instead, make small changes in what you eat. Choose a fruit instead of a cookie. Try whole wheat bread instead of white bread. Small changes matter and they can really add up!

Talk - Sometimes, you have to admit that you need help. Develop a support system so that when the time comes, you have people to turn to.  Your support system can have anyone who supports you, such as friends, family, counselors, doctors, nurses and mentors.  

Advocating for yourself

Even though as many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, many people out there have never even heard of the disease! The good news is that you can change that. All you have to do is speak up - and involve the people on your "P-team" to speak up with you. Do not be afraid to stand up for yourself. You deserve the same treatment by the public as someone without psoriasis. If you don’t get it, speak up! Our advocacy programs can help.