3 Ways to Help Your Loved One Cope Emotionally

Though psoriasis is a skin disease, it can leave psychological scars as well. Many people who suffer from the condition drastically alter their lives because of embarrassment or fear of rejection. According to Harvard psychologist Joe Shrand, MD, learning to deal with the emotional aspects of psoriasis is just as important as treating the visible symptoms. Here’s his advice on helping your loved one cope.

• Reduce stress. Just as red, scaly skin can be a major source of stress, stress itself can exacerbate psoriasis. Dr. Shrand points out that people with psoriasis often have high levels of the stress hormone cortisol in their bloodstreams as well as overactive immune systems. It’s also true that cortisol and immune activity tend to drop during times of remission. To ease emotional suffering (and thereby assist in controlling skin flare-ups), find ways to help your loved one blow off steam. Proven stress busters include exercise, counseling, biofeedback and meditation.
• Seek support. While stress hormones may trigger an outbreak, Dr. Shrand says social interaction stimulates the release of oxytocin, a feel-good bonding hormone, which can have a therapeutic effect on both the mental and physical symptoms of psoriasis. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your loved one has an active social life. Also, ask healthcare providers to recommend a local or online psoriasis support group. Talking with others going through the same issues can help reduce depression and feelings of isolation.
• Be there. Remind your loved one that their condition doesn’t reflect their value as a human being and it certainly doesn’t change how you feel about them. While Dr. Strand stops short of saying love heals all, he admits it can’t hurt to let someone know how much they mean to you. After all, psoriasis is only skin deep.