Working with psoriasis

Employment

People with psoriasis sometimes find that their condition has an effect on other parts of their lives - notably, their work. Changes may need to be made to effectively manage their condition at work, and they may be asked questions about their health when starting a new job. Although there are certain occupations that could cause problems for people with psoriasis, these are very few; many professional avenues are open to people with psoriasis, especially when given the support they need from their employers.

Tips for managing psoriasis at work:

Educate your employer and colleagues about your condition. Although psoriasis awareness is increasing, there are still many people who do not know what it is, or do not understand the extent of the condition. People who work in occupations that involve direct contact with the customer (e.g., checkout operatives, hairdressers, children’s nursery assistants) may experience wary looks or unkind comments from customers or colleagues. Explain that psoriasis is not contagious or infectious, but also be honest about how it might affect your abilities, the way it may make you feel, and the time-consuming nature of certain treatments. The Psoriasis Association can provide you with materials to help with this.
Work with your employer to find solutions to help you do your job and manage your psoriasis at the same time. This might include working more flexible hours to accommodate medical appointments, extra sets of uniforms, protective clothing (e.g. gloves) to prevent worsening patches of psoriasis, or facilities to apply treatments.
Don’t forget the importance of moisturising your skin throughout the day. Dispense some of your moisturiser into a small pot that you can keep in your office, bag or locker, meaning you can then apply the moisturiser whenever it is convenient. If you regularly travel or stay away from home, you could also keep a separate moisturiser in your travel bag, to ensure you always have it with you.