How to Cope With Psoriasis

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Anyone who turns on the television or logs on to social media these days is likely to be assaulted by some stressful news! Too much stress is no good for anyone, but it can be really bad for those of you who suffer from a chronic illness. Stress can make a disease worse, as is the case with the skin condition psoriasis. 

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, and all of us at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center want you to know that keeping stress at bay can reduce the incidence of a psoriasis flare-up. 

What does foot psoriasis look like?
Psoriasis shows up as itchy, scaly patches of thick, red skin. When it affects the feet, it typically appears on the soles, the tops, or even on your toenails. Your feet might appear cracked or swollen in spots with possibly some small dots that resemble pimples. Some of these symptoms can be easily confused with those of athlete’s foot, so it’s important to see one of our board-certified podiatrists - Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Joseph Saka, or Dr. Katy Statler - to get a definitive diagnosis. 

The emotional effects of psoriasis

Psoriasis anywhere on the body can be really uncomfortable, but when you have it on your feet, it can be stressful because it affects your mobility and your quality of life. You may feel 

  • Pain: a flare-up can be painful enough that you just don’t want to walk.
  • Embarrassment: you avoid wearing open shoes lest people get turned off by the red patches.
  • Anger: toward people who stare, misunderstand the disease, and think it’s “catching” (it’s not).
  • Alone: if others continually turn away and avoid you. 

Have these coping mechanisms in place

When the stress of having psoriasis gets to you, you can

  • Educate others by assuring them that you’re not contagious.
  • Talk to an understanding friend or family member. Sometimes just talking it out makes you feel better! Professional therapy is an option as well.
  • Make an appointment with us at our office in Howell. We’ve got several methods of treating psoriasis that can alleviate the pain and get you back on your feet in no time. 

Whether you live in Howell, Jackson, Lakewood, or other parts of Monmouth County, New Jersey, our podiatrists are here to help. Call us at (732) 905-1110.

 

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