• Many people with psoriasis choose clothing to hide their skin condition, rather than wearing what is comfortable or in their preferred style.
• Challenging clothing restrictions can be empowering.
• Noticing your feelings during the challenge may help you work toward acceptance or talk to your doctor about setting psoriasis treatment goals.

How often does psoriasis dictate what you wear? If you find yourself choosing clothes to hide your plaques or flakes, you’re not alone. In a large European study of nearly 1,000 people with moderate or severe psoriasis, 56 percent reported that psoriasis had a significant impact on their choice of clothing.¹ “Having a wardrobe full of cover-up clothes is rubbish, isn't it?” wrote one MyPsoriasisTeam member. “I wear a cardigan daily to hide my skin.”

Add a comment below: Do you cover up your psoriasis with your clothes?

For those with scalp psoriasis, even clothing colors are subject to concern. “I have to be careful that I don’t wear dark-colored tops because it looks like I have a bad case of dandruff,” shared another member.

Many members describe prioritizing the desire to avoid embarrassment over comfort. “I wish I could wear shorts and short-sleeve shirts,” said one. “Texas heat is horrible having to hide this.”

Another member wrote, “I am very embarrassed. I don't even wear sandals in summer.”

Even when clothes chosen to cover psoriasis aggravate its symptoms, members often cover up anyway. “My legs have been itchy today since I’m wearing trousers a lot, but I'm too embarrassed to wear a dress or a skirt because of how my legs look,” reported another.

Researchers have found people with psoriasis who accept their appearance — imperfections and all — are better able to lead a satisfying life with the condition.² Challenging the restrictions psoriasis puts on your clothing can help you gain a better sense of control over your skin condition, rather than choosing what you wear based on concealing it. Consider taking the Wardrobe Challenge to get a new perspective.

Sign Up for the Wardrobe Challenge

Pick an outing for your challenge, perhaps during hot summer weather or in other conditions that make it difficult to stay comfortable.

Give yourself permission to choose from your entire wardrobe, even clothes you have banished to the back of the closet. As you decide what to wear, focus only on what will feel most comfortable to you. Choose an outfit and shoes that will keep you the coolest, feel gentlest on your skin, and avoid triggering symptoms. Do not include any clothes or layers that don’t add to your comfort.

Add a comment below: What's your most comfortable piece of clothing?

Depending on the weather where you live, consider wearing items such as:

• A sleeveless or short-sleeved shirt or dress
• Shorts or a short skirt
• Swimwear
• Sandals

During your outing, note how you feel physically. Are you cool and comfortable? Does your skin feel better than when you layer up to hide it? Does embarrassment get in the way of enjoying the improved comfort?

Pick an outing for your challenge. Maybe you already have a black or dark-colored item of clothing in mind — something you had ruled out wearing until your skin cleared. If not, look until you find an item that is dark-colored. Choose clothing you like, but have avoided wearing due to fear that it will show skin flakes.

Avoid the temptation to hide scalp psoriasis with accessories such as a hat, headband, or scarf.

While you are out in your dark outfit, resist the urge to check the mirror or brush your shoulders. Note how you feel. Are you self-conscious? Or is it freeing not to restrict the color of what you wear and constantly check for flakes?

Choose an occasion for your challenge, perhaps eating dinner at a nice restaurant or attending a party. Ask yourself what you love wearing, what looks sharp and makes you feel good about yourself. Don’t let hiding psoriasis be a concern. If there is a fun new outfit you have been waiting to wear until your skin is in better condition, choose that.

It’s OK to:

• Show your legs or shoulders in a nice dress.
• Bare your arms in a short-sleeved blouse or dress shirt.
• Wear clothing in a dark fabric without fear of flakes showing on it.

Focus on enjoying the clothes and knowing they look good. Do you feel self-confident in your stylish outfit? Is it empowering to wear something nice without letting psoriasis influence your choice? Notice whether you enjoy yourself more or less than you would have if you’d dressed to hide your psoriasis.

Keep a journal and write down your experiences during your wardrobe challenge, or write directly in the comments section below. Did you feel more comfortable, more empowered, more in control of your life when you chose clothing without regard to your psoriasis? That’s a win!

On the other hand, if challenging your wardrobe choices made you uncomfortable and self-conscious, that’s important to know too. This knowledge can help you start a conversation with your doctor about your goals for treating psoriasis. Read more in the Doctor Discussion Challenge.

MyPsoriasisTeam members often advise each other to wear what they like, and many report feeling better when they do.

“Just wear your shorts and forget what others think,” wrote one member. “If more of us didn't cover up, nonaffected people would be more used to seeing psoriasis and wouldn't be shocked. Be comfortable!” Another member happily shared, “Just back from vacation. It felt great wearing shorts and short skirts and not giving a darn about my legs or arms.”

“Life is too short,” counseled another. “Don't let yourself be embarrassed. Wear what you want. Don't let others rule what you do. Remember, feeling happy may help your psoriasis by decreasing stress.”

Add a comment below: What's your best advice on dressing and felling good with psoriasis?

Keen to take more actions to gain control of your life with psoriasis? Check out Taking the Self-Care Challenge for Psoriasis.

References

1. Dubertret, L., Mrowietz, U., Ranki, A., van de Kerkhof, P. C. M., Chimenti, S., … Lotti, T. (2006). European patient perspectives on the impact of psoriasis: the EUROPSO patient membership survey. British Journal of Dermatology, 155(4), 729–736. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07405.x
2. Sakson-Obada, O., Pawlaczyk, M., Gerke, K., & Adamski, Z. (2017). Acceptance of psoriasis in the context of body image, body experience, and social support. Health Psychology Report, 5(3), 251–257. https://doi.org/10.5114/hpr.2017.63824