Like any disease, psoriasis takes different forms for different people. While generalizations can be relatively accurate and helpful, variations in lifestyle, biology, and severity mean the exact nature of the disease’s triggers and manifestations can vary from one patient to the next. This isn’t really news, as it’s covered widely throughout the wealth of resources found online about living with psoriasis.
What’s less often discussed are the different ways people may choose to cope with their ongoing condition. Of course, the standard best-case-scenario is when, through treatment and lifestyle, the psoriasis goes into remission with no outward signs or discomfort whatsoever. But what about when the psoriasis is an ongoing presence? Typically the response is to cover it up or attempt to distract the eye, as we covered in our article Living with Psoriasis? Fashion’s Got Your Back! This is definitely the most common approach, and one that many psoriasis-sufferers have been able to apply with great success.
There is an alternative approach, however, and it’s one that’s nicely illustrated in the recent article Woman With Severe Psoriasis Launches Campaign to Show She’s ‘Beautiful’ After Years of Hiding Her Wounds. The article follows the story of 24-year-old Giorgia Lanuzza, who’s chosen to buck the standard “distract & conceal” methods, instead opting to wear her psoriasis with pride.
While certainly not for everyone, Giorgia’s story can serve as an inspiration on several levels. Not only is there value in seeking beauty and confidence beyond the conventional standards, but proudly sharing her psoriasis with the world can do a lot to help educate the public and remove the disease’s stigma.
Beyond the social implications, bringing psoriasis into the light can also have the very real benefit of getting some healthy sun exposure, to say nothing of freeing flare-ups from the confines of potentially irritating fabric and clothing.
So whether or not you choose to follow Giorgia’s example in your own life, she definitely highlights the truth that there’s no harm—and indeed, several potential benefits—to letting your psoriasis come out and breathe once in a while.