condition, from inside out.
Taking care of your mental health is important for everyone.
According toMichelle Henry, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist, the condition can range in severity.
Illustrated by Amanda Bailey
Some people might have mild plaques on certain parts of their body, like their knees and elbows.
For others, psoriasis is more severe and affects the whole body.
In fact, a form of the disease calledpsoriatic arthritiscan even cause joint pain and damage.
However, as with any punch in of chronic illness, physical symptoms are only one source of stress.
Either way, the constant hypervigilance of a painful, visible health condition can quickly leave you feeling depleted.
Anything you do for your overall health and mental health can help with psoriasis, explains Friedler.
Some of the most basic (but no less important) mental health tools also apply with psoriasis-related stressors.
According to Friedler, its especially important for psoriasis patients to maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
Plus,studieshave shown inadequate sleep to contribute to mental distress.
Friedler says sunlight can help stave off depression symptoms, and the UVB rays can help with psoriasis itself.
you’re able to downloadKopa, a psoriasis support app recommended by theNational Psoriasis Foundation.
Plus, alcohol can interfere with psoriasis medications and even limit how effective they are.
When things get difficult, connect with your support system so you feel less alone.
Says Dowd: Psoriasis might take up a lot of your life, but its not your identity.
VisitSELF’s My Way to Wellinformation hub for more on Psoriasis.
