Dating with psoriasis

Living with psoriasis is already hard enough. Pain and itching at the affected areas, and flakes of skin on and in your clothing all too often make it impossible to forget about your condition.

But for many psoriasis sufferers, one aspect makes life even more difficult – the visibility of their condition – and other people’s reactions. 

Psoriasis is not contagious – obviously – but some of the people we come into contact with don’t know that, which makes surprised looks and hesitant questions part of our everyday experience.

In winter, with gloves, a hat, and a thick winter coat, the condition is less noticeable. But as temperatures rise in the spring, many people’s anxiety also grows about their first visit to the swimming pool or playing sport in public. 

But one critical moment is challenging all year round – meeting new people, and dating in particular. How should I react? How do I communicate the obvious?

IT’S BEST TO BE BOLD - TALKING OPENING ABOUT THE PECULIARITIES OF YOUR SKIN AND DEALING WITH IT. 

Yes, it takes courage and self-confidence to talk directly about psoriasis with someone you’ve only just met. But being proactive has advantages for everyone involved. On the one hand, it gets the proverbial elephant out of the room and means you won’t have to hide or cover up in future. On the other hand, it takes away the other person’s uncertainty or fear about saying or doing something wrong. That makes it easier for everyone – so far so good.

Of course, our interactions don’t consist solely of words.

Sooner or later we will hold hands, hug, and our bodies will touch. If you’ve already addressed your psoriasis, it will be easier to take this step.

Naturally, it’s never too late to be open and self-confident about your psoriasis. And perhaps that first “daring” touch with a particularly amazing date will be the start of a wonderful story.