Youth With Psoriasis
When young people have psoriasis it affects them, their parents and siblings. Depending on the age of the child/teen dealing with the day-to-day consequences of psoriasis and the treatments can be confusing, stressful, frustrating, and embarrassing. The very young person with psoriasis may not even be able to understand why clear skin suddenly turns red, itchy and bumpy. Parents and siblings may be psoriasis patients too or they may be the lucky ones to have escaped the possible heredity connection that seems to be a part of the skin disease.
Kids
It is unusual for kids younger than fifteen to have psoriasis but it does happen. Kids due to their age and inability to comprehend matters of disease need the adults in their life to support them and guide them through the process of dealing with the symptoms of psoriasis and in getting through the treatments. Kids will have lots of questions that need answers that are age appropriate. Kids who have psoriasis are not the only one asking questions. Their classmates and friends will also ask lots of questions when they notice the psoriasis. Role-playing how to deal with questions can help prepare your child to handle questions by others.
Making friends and dealing with situations like school is tough enough without having a disease that gives you a physical reason to stick out and be different from all the other kids. Give kids the tools they need by providing them with information they can understand and by practicing with them how to share this information with others.
Teens
This is a very social stage of life when dating starts and school is full of peer-pressure and situations where scrutiny is rampant. Something like psoriasis that sticks out and is ultra noticeable makes the teen with psoriasis a subject of ridicule, cruelty and possible shunning. This is a time when hormone levels are out of whack and can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Emotions usually run high as boy/girls relations are explored. Emotions are another trigger for a teen with psoriasis. Support groups can be very beneficial for the teen. In group sessions teens will meet other teens with psoriasis and be able to share stories, tips and give support to each other.
Parents and Siblings
The best arsenal parents have in the fight for their child or teen’s right to comfort and protection against a disease that is chronic is to arm them with information and gather a support network for themselves and for their son or daughter. There are many resources to turn to when gathering information such as the doctor or dermatologist that is treating your child/teen. Seek out support groups for parents of those with psoriasis. Look around your community for psoriasis organizations, and discover what books and magazines that your local library has to offer. Many psoriasis organizations have Websites that can offer information and support.
Siblings depending on age also need to understand about the disease so that they can cope with curious friends, and live with a sibling who may be difficult to live with at times during flare-ups or when treatments become stressful.
