How can you handle insensitive comments about psoriasis?
### How to Handle Insensitive Comments About Psoriasis
When you have psoriasis, people might ask blunt or impolite questions because they don't understand the condition. Here are some tips to help you deal with these situations:
1. **Have Quick Responses Ready**: Prepare simple answers to common questions. For example, you can say, "No, I have psoriasis, which is a genetic condition. You can't catch it."
2. **Educate Others**: If someone is curious, take the opportunity to educate them about psoriasis. Explain that it's a serious health condition and not just a rash.
3. **Stay Calm**: Approach the topic calmly. If you stay calm, others are likely to be calm as well.
4. **Use Humor**: Sometimes, a little humor can help ease the situation. For example, you could say, "If it was just a rash, I'd be lathered in cream."
5. **Address Romantic Concerns Early**: When dating, it's best to address the topic early on to make both parties feel more at ease. Be confident and own your condition.
6. **Pay Attention to Appearance**: To avoid comments about flakes, check your appearance often and ask a trusted person to help you.
7. **Seek Support**: If a comment hurts you, talk to someone who understands, like another person with psoriasis or a supportive friend or family member.
8. **Educate in the Workplace**: Let your supervisor and co-workers know that psoriasis affects your skin but isn't contagious. Ask for any necessary accommodations and keep some lotion at your workspace.
9. **Connect with Family and Friends**: Share your condition with close ones. They might also have psoriasis, and you can support each other.
10. **Don't Settle for Poor Medical Advice**: If your doctor isn't helpful, seek another opinion. There are many treatment options available, so keep asking, "What are my choices?"
By following these tips, you can better handle insensitive comments and educate others about psoriasis.