Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) don’t stay at home when you go to work. For many people, symptoms like fatigue, pain, and stress follow them into meetings, onto job sites, and through long shifts. Over time, these challenges can affect how you feel, how you do your job, how you connect with coworkers, and whether you can keep working.

To better understand what this looks like in real life, we reviewed posts and comments from members of MyPsoriasisTeam. Their experiences show that working with psoriasis or PsA often means pushing through difficult symptoms, making tough decisions, and finding creative ways to cope.

Here are five ways psoriasis and PsA can affect work life and what members say helps.

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Many MyPsoriasisTeam members describe a kind of fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest. Even getting through a normal workday can feel like a major effort.

“Still fatigued. At work, trying to give it a go.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

One member shared, “Today is an OK day for me. I usually take Thursdays off from work due to being exhausted from the previous days. … Although I’m in pain, my mind is in a stable place at this moment.”

Another wrote, “Still fatigued. At work, trying to give it a go.”

Fatigue can build over the week, making it harder to stay focused, productive, or even present.

Workplace stress doesn’t just affect mood. It can also make psoriasis symptoms worse. Members often connect stressful shifts or environments with increased pain or flares.

“Lots of pain today after a stressful week at work.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Another shared, “I had long and stressful two days at work working overtime, and now my whole body hurts today on the weekend.”

For some, high-stress jobs make symptom control even harder.

PsA can make everyday job tasks more difficult, including typing, standing, and lifting. Pain and stiffness can slow you down or limit what you’re able to do.

One member explained, “My hands won’t work at all. … Had to quit my old job because of it. Couldn’t stand, use my hands, and my hips were always … in full-blown pain.”

“My hands are still painful in the morning and slow my typing down.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

These physical limits can be frustrating, especially if your job involves a lot of movement or work with your hands.

Many members say they sometimes need to miss work due to flares, fatigue, or pain. But taking time off can come with worry, guilt, or uncertainty.

“I called off at work. I feel like crying. … I haven’t told my job about my health. I am afraid to do it,” one member shared.

Another described having to take some time off for “some stress control,” but was able to return.

“I called off at work. I feel like crying. … I haven’t told my job about my health. I am afraid to do it.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Balancing health needs with job expectations can feel overwhelming.

For some, symptoms become severe enough to affect long-term employment. Members describe leaving jobs they loved or applying for disability.

“I had my own house and garden company for many years until I could not do anything anymore due to a back injury and PsA,” one member wrote.

These changes can feel like a major loss, not just financially, but personally.

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, people share their experiences with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How does psoriasis affect your work life, and what helps you get through the day? Let others know in the comments below.