This website has been funded and developed by AbbVie and is intended for UK audiences only.
This website has been funded and developed by AbbVie and is intended for UK audiences only.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition linked to an overactive immune system, causing the skin to develop flaky patches of skin1. Living with psoriasis can be challenging and have a toll on your physical and emotional well-being1,2 —you might feel stressed, embarrassed, frustrated, or even isolated from friends, family and colleagues. On tough days, even simple, everyday activities can feel overwhelming. Commuting to work during a flare-up, whether squeezed into a crowded train or dealing with the discomfort of long drives, can be draining. Travelling for leisure can also feel daunting, whether you’re worried about exposing your skin at the beach or bracing for the discomfort of cold, dry conditions on a snowy getaway. Certain jobs, especially those involving physical labour (like construction or retail) or public-facing roles (such as customer service), can become especially difficult during a flare-up, making it harder to focus or feel confident. Even in close relationships, psoriasis can take a toll and you might avoid physical intimacy due to discomfort, or hold back from social plans out of self-consciousness.3,4 Psoriasis doesn’t just affect your skin: it can disrupt your daily life in ways that others may not always see or understand.
Psoriasis can affect any area of the skin, including:5
Scalp
Face
Hands and feet
Nails
Genitals
Skin folds
Symptoms of psoriasis can range from mild to severe and can include:6,7
Dry skin lesions (known as plaques covered in scales)
Rashes
Itching and skin pain
Joint pain
Swelling or stiffness
Thickening of the nails
Psoriasis triggers can include:8
An injury to your skin
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Smoking
Stress
Hormonal changes
Certain medications
Other immune disorders
We know that psoriasis may seem like it only affects the skin, but people living with psoriasis can experience a number of ‘invisible’ symptoms that can impact their day-to-day lives, such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression due to the physical impact psoriasis can have.2 Psoriasis can also impact your sleep routine,9 making it difficult to concentrate at work, socialise with friends or keep up with daily tasks and household chores.
Although psoriasis is a long-term condition, its symptoms can come and go1. It might flare up for a while and then settle down again. Living with the condition means learning how to manage both the ups and downs, and self-care plays a huge role in that.2 It’s about more than just taking care of your skin, as you have to look after your mental wellbeing by managing stress, staying active and taking time to relax.
Having open, honest conversations with your healthcare professional is also key.2 By understanding what’s important to you, like how psoriasis affects your daily life and what your aspirations are, you can work together to create a management plan that fits your lifestyle and what you want to achieve, not just treat your symptoms.
Managing your psoriasis may involve multiple steps.10 Healthcare professionals consider many factors when discussing psoriasis management, but what you share with them plays a huge role in shaping your management plan so don’t be scared to open up and speak up. Managing psoriasis isn’t just about the severity of your symptoms or what treatments you’ve tried—it’s about your personal experience, how it impacts your day-to-day life, and what you hope to achieve moving forwards. You and your healthcare professional can work together to create a plan that truly fits your life so your treatment is tailored to you, not just your condition.
Alternative biologics
Your dermatologist might switch you to another biological therapy if you’re not reaching your goals10
Topicals
Medicine applied to the surface of your skin, usually used as the first management option10
When it comes to conversations and decision-making with your healthcare professional, remember that you have a say in your psoriasis management plan. Communication with your healthcare professional should be two-way active discussion.
The Psoriasis Conversations guide is designed to help you: You can download and print the guide and fill it out over time. Key questions within the guide include:
Your symptoms and triggers, to help identify any patterns to build a picture of your experience.
What you want to achieve in your psoriasis management journey.
The visible and invisible ways that psoriasis impacts your daily life.
August 2025 | UK-IMMD-250013
Download your guide today and take the first step towards more confident, productive appointments.
