A difficult breakup, job loss, moving to a new city, or the death of a loved one are some of the most common triggers of psoriasis, a disease closely linked to stress and emotional distress.
During this turbulent period, the person notices something strange about their nails or skin, but they usually don’t give it much thought, thinking it will go away. However, the condition soon spreads to other areas of the body. When they go to the doctor and are diagnosed with psoriasis, a new phase begins that they will have to learn to cope with.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition in which the cell life cycle, which normally lasts between 21 and 30 days, is shortened. In psoriasis, the cycle is only 7 days long, causing immature cells to accumulate in the surface layer of the skin, which becomes reddish and scaly.
Psoriasis affects 2.3% of the world’s population. It is a chronic condition that can disappear for periods of time, only to flare up again. However, its impact goes beyond the skin.
Since psoriasis is often a visible condition, it affects virtually every area of life. A recent study conducted at the University of Naples revealed that 55% of people with psoriasis have limited expectations regarding their professional advancement, and almost a quarter of them have had to leave a job due to the condition.
Specialists from the National Psoriasis Foundation in the United States interviewed more than 4,000 people with psoriasis and discovered that:
- 66% acknowledged that psoriasis affected their ability to enjoy life.
- 63% admitted that the disease had a significant impact on their emotional well-being.
- 60% admitted that it represented a major problem in their daily lives.
The enormous emotional burden of psoriasis
– Stress. Psoriasis is often accompanied by significant stress, compounded by social pressure to look good. This sustained level of tension eventually leads to nervousness and irritability, as well as concentration problems and even sleep disorders.
– Shame and social isolation. A study conducted at Columbia University revealed that 19% of people with psoriasis have personally experienced social rejection. Many of these experiences have led them to change some of their habits and avoid situations that involve greater exposure of the body, such as going to the beach, the pool, and the gym. As a result, these people may end up isolating themselves to avoid feelings of shame and rejection.
– Low self-esteem. In a society where beauty standards demand a perfect body and skin, which are often also considered indicators of success and even personal worth, it’s understandable that those with psoriasis feel ashamed, a feeling reinforced by the social stigma surrounding many dermatological diseases. As a result, their self-esteem is often deeply affected, leading to a feeling of inferiority.
– Increased risk of mental disorders. A study conducted at New York University found that psoriasis, more than any other skin disease, is linked to the development of psychological disorders. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania analyzed approximately 150,000 patients with psoriasis and found that the risk of depression and anxiety increased by 39% and 31%, respectively. These individuals, especially men, are also more likely to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
– Sexual problems. Approximately 35% of people with psoriasis report feeling unattractive, which has serious repercussions on their sex lives. According to a study conducted by Acción Psoriasis, 20% of those affected report difficulties in their sexual relationships, which is also due to the fact that skin lesions are common in the genital area.
The problem that nobody talks about
A study conducted at Wake Forest University revealed that the psychological consequences of psoriasis can be compared to those experienced by people suffering from cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. In fact, these individuals are much more vulnerable to developing depression, a condition that often leads to suicidal thoughts.
Although no one talks about it, since suicide remains a kind of tacit social pact, the truth is that 10% of psoriasis patients admit to having considered suicide at some point in their lives. Therefore, the risk of taking their own life increases by 44% in this group. In fact, 84% of young people often respond to the diagnosis of the disease with intense feelings of anger and frustration.
However, the most interesting thing is that the psychological consequences of psoriasis don’t depend exclusively on the severity of the condition. Researchers at Harvard University discovered that social stigma, stress levels, and work-related problems have a significant influence. This means that, regardless of the severity of the condition, social acceptance can work wonders, making life easier for these people and creating an environment in which they feel comfortable.
Living with psoriasis
Those who suffer from psoriasis feel that the condition is always present, affecting every aspect of their lives, so finding an effective treatment to reduce visible symptoms can have a very positive impact on their self-image and self-esteem.
The sense of control that comes with managing psoriasis is essential for overcoming feelings of helplessness, shame, anger, and even feeling more physically attractive. Therefore, it’s important that if you have psoriasis, you don’t resign yourself to “suffering” from this disease.
Facing psoriasis with a positive and proactive attitude will not only improve your quality of life but can even improve the lesions themselves. A meta-analysis conducted at the University of Sheffield found that psychotherapy focused on changing negative thinking patterns and reversing bad habits such as scratching affected areas also helps alleviate physical symptoms.
The good news is that, although there is no definitive cure, psoriasis treatments have advanced significantly in recent years. They can temporarily eliminate lesions or significantly improve them by reducing inflammation and clearing them. There are different types of treatments depending on the severity of psoriasis, lifestyle, and/or the presence of other conditions. You can make an appointment with a psychologist, dermatologist, and/or sexologist to find out which treatment best suits your case.
If you know someone who suffers from this disease, it’s important to be aware that social support is critical to overcoming the psychological consequences of psoriasis. This condition is not contagious, so there’s no need to stigmatize those who suffer from it. Everyone’s understanding and acceptance can make a significant difference in that person’s life.
References:
Ayala, F. et. Al. (2014) The impact of psoriasis on work-related problems: a multicenter cross-sectional survey. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereo l; 28(12): 1623-1632.
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Lavda, AC et. Al. (2012) A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of psychological interventions for adults with skin conditions. Br J Dermatol ; 167(5): 970-979.
Kohli, S. et. Al. (2010) The risk of depression, anxiety and suicidality in patients with psoriasis: A population-based cohort study. Arch Dermatol 146(8): 891–895.
Sampogna, F. et. Al. (2007) Impairment of sexual life in patients with psoriasis. Dermatology 214(2): 144-150.
Rapp, SR et Al. (1999) Psoriasis causes as much disability as other major medical diseases. J Am Acad Dermatol ; 41: 401-407.
Poikolainen, K. et. Al. (1994) Smoking, alcohol and life events related to psoriasis among women. British Journal of Dermatology ; 130(4): 473-477.
Ginsburg, IH & Link BG (1993) Psychosocial consequences of rejection and stigma feelings in psoriasis patients. International Journal of Dermatology ; 32(8): 587-591.
Kimball, A.B. et. Al. (2005) The psychosocial burden of psoriasis. Am J Clin Dermatol ; 6(6): 383-392.
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