Quiz: Is Psoriasis Affecting Your Mental and Emotional Health? – Everyday Health

Psoriasis may be a skin condition, but its impact is more than skin deep. Research has shown psoriasis can increase the risk of mental and emotional issues such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and loneliness.

The condition characterized by itchy, discolored patches of skin that most often develop on the knees, elbows, and scalp can cause you to feel self-conscious about exposing your skin in public, says Ahmad Amin, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. This, in turn, can prevent you from participating in activities such as going to the gym or socializing with friends, which can lead to depression or anxiety.

The physical symptoms of psoriasis can lower your quality of life as well. When someone has psoriasis, the patches on the skin can be uncomfortable painful, itchy, and troublesome, explains Dr. Amin. The skin is often very flaky, and patients can shed excess skin [leaving] flakes on their clothes, on their desk, or on the floor.

Problem is, if youve been living with psoriasis for a long time, you may not realize how much the condition is impacting your mental and emotional health. Take this short quiz to find out and learn how to deal with any challenges it reveals.

More here:
Quiz: Is Psoriasis Affecting Your Mental and Emotional Health? - Everyday Health