When I first got signs of this stuff I knew what it was. My mom has it and I've seen her when she would brake out really bad and I would always say to myself "I hope I don't get it, too" It's weird because out of my mother's 5 kids, I have to be the one to get it. It's like I'm being punished for being the only one who doesn't disrespect my parents and the one who wants to finish school. Anyways, the only time I've ever really came into contact with someone actually seeing this crap is when I spent the night at my friends house. It had just started getting really bad in my head and my friend wanted to do my hair, me being the person I am and not being able to say no I told her ok, but that I had dry scalp. This was before I got the final diagnosis, but I knew what it was, I just didn't want to tell her what it really was. Anyways, there's this boy I really like and if he was ever to return the feelings, how would I tell him about this? I mean, for the most part it's pretty not visable anymore. My head is clear and my legs are clearing up fast. I doubt he would ever show interest in me, because I'm not the prettiest person in the world. This 'God' of ours must really hate me, first he makes me fat and ugly, then he gives me this crap...and people want me to believe in him. I probably shouldn't worry about how to tell him, since he probably will never like me anyways.
On another note, grauation is May 24 and I'm scared that I'm not going to beable to cover my legs. I have to wear a white dress and black shoes...how the black shoes fit in with the gold gown, I'll never know. I really hate life.
Last semester I used to miss school because I wouldn't beable to brush my hair or anything, I had to cut my long beautiful hair. I get so depressed about this, I wish I was dead sometimes.

hey isolatemisery, i just wanted to tell you i know how you feel. i tell people i hvae dry scalp too when they ask. it's easier then saying anything else. so you're a senior in hs right now? thats cool, i am in my second year of college, so we're around the same age, and so trust me i want to die sometimes too. you don't have to be the prettiest person in the world to get him to like you. just know how to turn him on. if your p is clearing away fast, then don't ever get lazy and ditch the effort to maintain it. i know i am hopping from one subject to another, but i don't really care. i get hella depressed too--always wishing i could wear the clothes i wore 3 years ago, before i got this of sh*t all over me. my roomates dress up all cute and stuff, and they try to get me to do the same too, and i have to refuse, they don't even know that i have p and i've lived with them for 6 months now. don't you just want to kick all them people with nice, clear skin? just like kick them and tell them they should just shut up and that they
're really pissing you off and they should just stay kicked. haha. anyway, as far as getting the guy, if your p isn't visisble, then don't let it be an obstacle when you're tryin to get close to him. if it is visible, wait on that. he'll get scared. shoot, if someone showed me they had p and i didn't know what it was except what they're telling me, then i'll be scared too. thats's just real. its just how stupid, young people function. alright then, peace and love.
holly

If kicked all the pretty people in the head, I'd be kicking alot of people. That'd be great thought:D Yep, I'm a senior in high school, I've been waiting for graduation for so long, since like 6th grade. I thought it was supposed to be a glamorous time, but now i have to worry about my legs. The boy I like is like one of the most popular, well I wouldn't say popular but he is one of the most liked boys in school; but he's not like the popular boys that are too good to talk to anyone other than the cheerleaders or 'easy' girls though...he runs track and is like the best at our school and pretty much region, that's why he's so popular. I'm just rambling now. But thanx, your response made me laugh.

Hi there,
I used to find it really difficult to imagine any boy would want to be with me because of my p but experience has taught me that if they are worth it the p isn't an issue. When talking to someone I am interested in I casually drop the p into conversations, for example if we are talking about holidays I say something like, 'the sun is really good for my psoriasis so I go to hot places,' and point to it and then let the conversation continue as if it is no big deal. It sort of makes them aware and because most people haven't hear of the word 'psoriasis' it usually prompts them to ask questions. When they ask questions I answer them in full and try to make it clear that I am comfortable talking about it and their questions are not unwelcome so that they feel at ease too. I always explain that it is not contagious and although it can't be cured, I can control it as best I can with treatments. Et voila! they know all about the p and we can carry on with getting to know each other/flirting he he!
Remember it might be hard for them to get the courage to ask you about it because they are worried about hurting your feelings. If you show that you are comfortable talking about it, they will feel a lot better about being around you. This also tests their initial attitude towards the p and you can decide whether or not you want to get to know them better!
I'm the only one in my family with p too and I sometimes wonder why it had to be me but I wouldn't wish it on my brother or sister. I used to be really depressed about my psoriasis too until I thought 'sod it, it's not going anywhere' and decided to live my life. There are many things that I would do differently if I didn't have psoriasis but I don't want to miss out on my whole life waiting for the p to disappear because it might not and then I would have wasted a hell of a lot of time! Go for it, and if he isn't right there will be someone better for you just around the corner.
Go to graduation and have a great time. You can enjoy the memories later!
Carla
xxxx

I'm a freshman in college, so I know about it effecting your self image. Though my p isn't that horrible (I mainly have it on my scalp...) I know how you feel. Some people aren't as hard for me to tell to...like if one of my friends wants to do my hair or something, I kinda warn them and tell them that I understand if my scalp grosses them out. Most of the time they are cool about it as long as I explain that it's not contagous or anything. As far as boys go...believe me...I know. I work with a guy that I like . He 's cool and doesn't seem to be judgmental, but I don't know . I"m always paranoid that he will see it b/c we have to wear our hair up at work...I wish I could know what his reaction would be. It completely sucks. I don't have much advice, but I definately feel your pain. You are free to email me anytime if you want. Good luck with your guy and have fun at graduation.
Jackie

Hi IM,
Darling, we women take all matters of apprearance to heart in ways that I think men do not understand. We see the photos of all the models, beautiful faces, hair, and skin, impossibly thin, and know in a heartbeat that we cannot compete.
I have had very severe psoriasis since I was 16, and know firsthand how scary and lonely it can feel. Depressing, self depreciating, frustrating and down right angering are all words I have used to describe how this disease makes me feel.
But, I have other words as well. Life has been kind in presenting me with a wonderful ( and sexy & gorgeous ) mate. Find a style you are comfortable with that hides what you don't want to share with the general public, then run with it! I did, and the result is that I am called a classy and sophisticated lady in public all the time. My mate loves that too!
The other words I would add to the list above include: courageous, persistant, tolerant, kind, creative, and pro-active. I have experienced life in a way that most "normal" folks never will understand, and I am convinced that I am happier and better for that experience. But I certainly don't feel that way every day. Heads up, even with "normal" skin, people have good and bad times, depressions, and times of great self doubt.
The advice of the others who have posted is true. Love comes from the soul, not the appearance. It grows through sharing our inner selves, and holding nothing back. It is in the eyes of a true lover that you may come to love yourself. There exists a soulmate for each of us, and certainly one for you. The crummy part of that message is that we do not get to pick the time and place when we shall meet. That is where your faith in God is important. He never takes anything without giving something of equal or greater value. It is our job to make ourselves ready to recognise and embrace it.
Regards,
PJ Leary

All of your posts have made me smile. BUT, I think as long as I'm in high school the standard for the male liking a girl is going to be big boobs and flat stomaches. I don't have much longer though. Maybe once I get into college I won't worry so much about what people think about me. Thank you all so much:D

Hi IM,
I think you are wize. Your post indicates that you understand your current place in life, and are willing to go with it. Good for you!
I agree with your interpretation of your current situation, for the most part. Please don't forget that there are always exceptions, and be open to them. It will enrich your life.
Respectfully,
PJ Leary

HEy there,
I have had "P" for a long time now.. I've had it really bad on my ellbow for a long time and it aint gettin any better.. in 6,7, and 8th grade i use to tell people i fell of a skateboard and thats what it is untail people noticed it on my head ond on my side.. I dident know what to do i would say it was dry skin and crap make it up i dident want to tell everyone that I have"P"... Tell this year, im in 9th grade and I love to wear tank tops and short leaves on my shirts so people ask me all the time i guess i just tell them mostly my freinds dont care but every time i have to tell some one that i dont know, they make me exsplain this hole story and i hate it.. I always feel like i should just die... and my familey say it isent that bad but they dont have to live with it.. Its hard worrying about what people will think and what to wear and what color clothes to wear how to wear my hair so that people cant see it its hard and its depressing all the time.. I wish it would just go away... No one in my family has it soo why me why anyone??? its horble and they say STRESS makes it worse but just haveing stress me out day after day.. Some time i wonder about dieing why not then i dont have to worry?? Well anyways How do i tell a guy i like i normally just change the subject when he asks about it.. So what should i do?? And does anyone know of any good ways to treat it??
ginger_special

PJ Leary heh thanks, no one's ever said they think I'm wise. Yea, I know there's exceptions...maybe the boy I like is one of them? I just haven't found those exceptions. Your posts are always so inspiring and helpful.
ginger_special I couldn't tell you how to tell a guy since that's my whole problem. But, do you go to a derm.? I don't know of any OTC treatments, because the only thing I've used was dandruff shampoo and that doesn't work. I believe Aveno(spelling?) stuff is good though. But my dermatologist gave me Derma-moothe for my head and it cleared up 99.9% after the second time I used it. As for my legs and arms, I've used Dovonex and Elocon cream, also something else I can't quite seem to remember the name of at this moment. None of it has completely cleared my arms and legs, but I think the Elocon cream worked the best. And you have alot more courage than me, I don't even like to wear shorts around the house and I hardly ever go outside without a jacket on...no matter the temperature.

The boy I like is like one of the most popular, well I wouldn't say popular but he is one of the most liked boys in school; but he's not like the popular boys that are too good to talk to anyone other than the cheerleaders or 'easy' girls though...he runs track
Lol...not at you isolatedmisery but at that quote....your school life sounds exactly like on American movies....like "He's the most popular guy, hes on the football team..." Is US school life really like that?
Anyway, just tell people if you want them to know, just bite the bullet and do it, but do it in simple terms....AND MAKE SURE THEY UNDERSTAND IT IS NON-COMMUNICABLE...thats the clincher, if they know it wont hurt them, they will soon cease to care.
And if anyone hangs sh*t on you, belt them in the mouth! Try to make them swallow their own teeth...preferably broken. Or thats my reaction anyway!

:D lmao Aussie-Gus you cracked me up! :D
Carla