Hello, and welcome back to The Stoker Story! I guess you’ve clicked on this post because you suffer with psoriasis, or know someone who does. Whatever your reason for reading, you’ll know having psoriasis is no walk in the park, and suffering with psoriasis when it’s Summer can be a real struggle. But I’m here to help.
Here are my tips on how you can enjoy the warmer weather and feel great in your skin.
– PSORIASIS IS TOUGH, WHATEVER THE WEATHER
It’s easy to think that Winter is the worst season when living with psoriasis. The cold temperature and icy winds make your skin dry and irritated – but it’s also when your skin is covered up and no one can see it. In Summer, it’s completely different. The hot weather means more skin on show. And let’s not forget the sun creams and chlorine from swimming pools that are in constant contact with your psoriasis. It’s easy to see why living with this skin disease can cause suffers a lot of anxiety… me included.
Summer may be the time when you feel at your lowest, and that you might feel like never be happy with skin like yours. But there’s a few things in my ten years of living with it that may help you love yourself, come rain or shine.
– NEVER HIDE YOUR SKIN
When my skin’s bad and the sun is shining, the first thing I think about doing is covering it up. There has been times when it’s been scorching weather and have worn a long sleeve polo neck to cover up my elbows. That isn’t what we should be doing. When the sun is out, our skin needs to be too. The vitamin D and rays from the sun will help your psoriasis, and covering it up only prevents your skin being healthy.
But I also understand that is easier said than done. What will people say when they notice it? Are people going to talk about it behind my back? What if people asks me questions about it? I know it’s easier to cover it up than let people see it, because people can be cruel. But it doesn’t matter what they say, you’re beautiful and can wear what you want. Trust me, once you accept that… nothing can hurt you.
– MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE, THEN MOISTURISE
Living in UK when it’s summer isn’t easy. One day it’s raining, the next it’s 31 degrees. It makes having psoriasis that little bit tricker, as your skin can’t settle. The key to keeping on top of it, is to moisturise. Find a nice routine that always has moisturising featured in it. And when you combine this with sun, your psoriasis can only get better! Also, don’t forget to use your prescription creams or medicine to help your skin. The longer evenings mean you’re doing more, but it will help massively to stay on top of your skincare routine.
– DON’T LET YOUR PSORIASIS STOP YOU DOING ANYTHING
I remember when I was a teenager and all my friends wanted to go swimming. The only reason they suggested going was because I would bang on about how much I loved it. But when it came to me saying ‘yes, I’ll be there’, I said no and came up with a lame excuse. The reason I didn’t want to go was because I didn’t want people to see my skin in my costume. And as Monday morning came and everyone was sharing jokes about what happened on the weekend, I politely smiled and listened. That was the last time I let my psoriasis stopped me doing what I loved.
To you, your psoriasis is horrible and anyone who will see it is going to point and laugh. But the thing is, no one really cares… and those who do, aren’t worth caring about. Summer is when we should have exciting plans and enjoying the sun (if it ever comes here in Manchester), and shouldn’t be spent worrying about what your skin looks like.
For more information to help you if you’re struggling with psoriasis, please take a look at these links:
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/coping-with-psoriasis#1
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/coping-with-psoriasis-3876622
ALL IN ALL:
So this Summer, put your smile first and then your skin will follow. Go swimming, wear short sleeve tops, and enjoy the warmer weather! Your skin doesn’t define you, and neither should the thought of what people may or may not say x
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