What Are The Social Ramifications Of Psoriasis?Psoriasis is a disease which can have serious social ramifications. Because the symptoms of the disease are clearly visible and often disfiguring, it changes the perception of all concerned. The person with psoriasis may view himself differently, and those in his social circle may do the same. Many younger people with psoriasis have trouble with self-esteem issues. They feel embarrassed by the way the disease presents itself on the body. The find themselves unattractive, and this shows in their accepting fewer social invitations. They also report that they spend more time alone. Society seems to reflect and even add to the feelings of inadequacy brought about by psoriasis. Stares and whispers become everyday events for a person with psoriasis on an area of the body that can't be covered by clothing. Because some people have the misconception that they can catch psoriasis, they often shun those with the outward symptoms of it. This type of ignorance has even led to those with psoriasis being excluded from public places such as restaurants, pools, and salons. Because psoriasis is similar in appearance to other common communicable diseases, people in social outlets often mistake it another disease. Sometimes people assumed the psoriasis was poison ivy; at other times, it was mistaken for the more serious disease of AIDS. Either way, the people with psoriasis felt socially unacceptable. The social ramifications of psoriasis go even further than this, however. People with psoriasis have more difficulty getting a job, sometimes due to discrimination based on their appearance. They also miss more days of work because of their disease. This forces many of them into a financial crunch as the medical bills resulting from their disease accumulate. These issues lead to the most devastating social ramification of psoriasis-depression. About half of those who deal with psoriasis also experience depression at some time. Doctors can treat with antidepressants, but often the psychological strain is just too much. Frustrated by the lack of a cure and tired of juggling various treatment options, some who have dealt with psoriasis over an extended period of time consider suicide as an easy way to end their suffering. What Is Psoriasis >> What Causes Psoriasis >> Over-The-Counter Treatments For Psoriasis >> What Skin Care Regimen Works Best For Psoriasis >> The Genetic Component Of Psoriasis >> What Causes Psoriasis To Worsen? >> What Characterizes The Different Forms Of Psoriasi >> What Are The Social Ramifications Of Psoriasis >> Does Everyone With Psoriasis Get Psoriatic Arthrit >> What Is The Connection Between Smoking And Psorias |