Facts on Dating With Psoriasis

1. Beauty is Skin Deep

If you have psoriasis, the thought of dating can be uncomfortable in the least and terrifying at worst. Psoriasis can cause physical discomfort such as itching and burning, but it can also cause emotional discomfort because it's unsightly.

2. May-December Romance

Dating with psoriasis during the winter months can be less stressful because it's much easier to cover up psoriasis patches and redness with long sleeves and pants. The summer months can be a bit more difficult. Many individuals with psoriasis are deficient in vitamin D, and sun exposure actually helps clear up their psoriasis. Resist the urge to cover up during the summer months because you'll be limiting your exposure to the UV rays needed for vitamin D production. Try getting some sun in the privacy of your backyard in your free time. That sun exposure can help boost your vitamin D levels and clear up your psoriasis before you head out during the summer months in sleeveless tops and short sleeves.

3. Honesty is the Best Policy

Be honest. You might just want to mention upfront that you have psoriasis. This can ease the situation. Depending on how bad your psoriasis is, you might be used to stares or prolonged glances. Many people who aren't aware of this skin condition fail to understand that psoriasis is not contagious. Explain that you simply have an overactive immune system. Typical cell turnover rate is 28 days, and you just happen to be experiencing cell turnover in 5 to 7 days. If you mention your psoriasis at some point early on, your date won't be left wondering if you have a contagious skin condition. If your psoriasis is covered by clothing, then you probably can delay mentioning it.

4. Seek Support

Make dating, and life in general, easier by seeking a support system. The wide availability of the Internet makes it easy to interact with others. The website of the National Psoriasis Foundation offers message boards and forums for individuals with psoriasis to interact.

5. Break the News

If you do decide to mention the fact that you have psoriasis early on to your date, plan a psoriasis-friendly date. The beach is a perfect choice. The sun combined with salt water is a good combination if you have psoriasis. Just mention that you need to spend as much time outdoors as possible because of your psoriasis.