Uncomfortable confrontations with strangers. Embarrassment at the gym. Weird stares from cashiers at the grocery store. For psoriasis patients, dealing with the stigma of their disease is a way of life. Many go to great lengths to hide their skin symptoms.

Psoriasis differs from many other “invisible” chronic conditions in that the symptoms can be very obvious to others—and, in turn, stigmatizing for patients. It’s also largely misunderstood. In this episode, we hear what it’s like to live with the stigma of psoriasis day in and day out, and how some are finding ways to overcome it.

Among the highlights in this episode:

1:43 – Psoriasis is on full display at all times

3:45 – Incident at a public pool

4:40 – An experiment with fake tattoos shows how visible psoriasis is

5:30 – The impact of having psoriasis, from the physical symptoms to the coping with other people’s reaction

7:39 – It’s crucial to have an outlet for the frustration

7:58- Patients encouraged to share the fact they psoriasis with close friends and their romantic partner

Contact Our Host:

David Brandt: dbrandt@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to Psoriasis@ghlf.org

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