To swim or not to swim? That’s the question debated by members of MyPsoriasisTeam. Many praise sun and saltwater for calming their skin. “I'm at the beach any chance I get. It's the only relief I get and also clears it,” wrote one member. “We moved to Florida so I could get better and now I’m 95 percent clear. 😁,” shared another. Others avoid public beaches and pools due to embarrassment. MyPsoriasisTeam members offer a sense of humor to those worried about their skins' appearance. “There are many sights at swimming pools - bulging beer bellies, saggy bottoms, and disturbed hair styles,” one member commented. “Psoriatic skin just adds color to this lovely display!”

On MyPsoriasisTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with psoriasis, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Swimming is one of the top 10 topics most discussed.

Here are some conversations about swimming:

• "How do you do deal with going to a public pool when you know people are going to stare?"
• "I've had psoriasis for years now and it just seems to be getting worse especially summer time! Any advice?"
• "Coming closer and closer to summer where people are starting to show more skin and I'm dreading it!"
• "A member is excited about summer for the first time and sees light at the end of a tunnel."
• "I felt self-conscious of my spots ( they always look brighter after an hour in the pool) ... but I did it!"

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to MyPsoriasisTeam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.