Intimacy & Psoriasis

Originally posted 2021-09-29 04:27:27.

While getting intimate with the partner, it is quite natural for you to feel very confident and be in your very best. But what happens, if you suffer from psoriasis, a chronic skin condition? If you have developed red, flaky and scaly skin, then instead of feeling sexy, your skin’s overall look will only make you to feel embarrassed and anxious. If you are dating and have psoriasis, then sharing the truth of having developed psoriasis or worrying as to how you will get response from your partner will leave you in an awkward position. The new partner might not be familiar with your specific condition and could also feel unsure or fear it to be contagious. Thus, he/she will be confused as to how he/she will touch you without actually irritating your skin.

There may develop itchy or painful psoriasis patches on various body parts or on the genital region, which can be quite distracting, especially when having intimacy. It may also make you to feel self-conscious, such that you may avoid having intimacy altogether.

However, there has been noticed of a good number of people enjoying healthy physical and emotional relationship with partners, even after developing psoriasis. Given below are few suggestions that can help you to cope up with this situation:

Discuss with your physician

If you feel uncomfortable when getting intimate due to psoriasis, then discussing with the physician will help. Take prescribed medications and avoid using concentrated coal tar upon your genitals as it may cause irritation.

Determine how & when to discuss the situation with your partner

Get to know what actually makes you to feel at comfort. There are few who prefer to discuss the topic with their partner without wasting any time, while others wait to find out how their relationship progresses.

Love yourself first

In case, you are still to come to terms to accepting this chronic condition, then the same should be expected from your partner also. Try to focus to get comfortable with your own skin first and experience your confidence becoming contagious.

Prepare & practice what needs to be said

While bringing up the topic of psoriasis with the partner, it will be essential to educate her/him properly and to manage the response derived. There may arise lots of questions and concerns in your partner’s minds or probably some incorrect assumptions pertaining to the condition. You need to think from the viewpoint of your partner and find out what to be known.

Discuss as to what exactly it means for the relationship

It will be crucial to be open as to how your life is getting affected by psoriasis. Try to explain that if suffering from flare, then sex is probably the last thing you have in mind now. But during these times, there can be other ways for both of you to feel connected and be intimate.

Psoriasis might throw up several challenges. However, avoid allowing it to get into your relationship and spoiling intimacy. Know how to communicate openly and effectively with your partner and manage your symptoms. This does help to enhance your overall self-confidence as well as your relationship.