Even if you have psoriasis in easy-to-cover areas, there are going to be times when people see your psoriasis, such as when wearing shorts or skirts, when getting changed for exercise, or out shopping and trying on new clothes.
General awareness of psoriasis isn’t always great. People might stare, because they don’t know what it is, or make comments or faces. This is - without a doubt - hard to deal with, and everybody has a different way of coping. It might help to try to explain your condition, and to reassure others that it’s not contagious, something along the lines of “Oh, that’s psoriasis. It’s a condition where I produce too much skin, it’s not contagious”. Some people who find it particularly difficult to talk about their condition may say something like this and then change the subject quickly afterwards, with something like “I like your dress”, or “Let’s go to class now?”
Unfortunately, there may also be occasions where teachers or employers also don’t know much about your condition. Again, you should do your best to explain, and the Psoriasis Association is able to provide materials to help you do this. If you experience particularly bad reactions from your peers, your teacher or employer may be willing to hold a session to educate them about your condition. Again, get in touch with the Psoriasis Association, as we have materials that can help.
Important things to remember if you are being bullied:
- It’s not your fault that you have psoriasis, and it’s not your fault that you’re being bullied. You shouldn’t be ashamed of who you are.
- Ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, and, when you feel ready, report the bullying to someone with authority, such as a teacher at school or college, or a manager at work.
- If you want advice on bullying, get in touch with Bullying UK.