Living with psoriatic disease, including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, can affect more than your skin and joints. For many people, it also affects how they feel about themselves and interact with others.

Visible symptoms like plaques or hair loss, along with pain and fatigue, can take a toll on confidence. At the same time, many people find ways to rebuild their self-esteem.

We reviewed conversations from MyPsoriasisTeam members to understand what can challenge self-esteem and what can help rebuild it.

🗳️ What helps you most when rebuilding confidence while living with psoriatic disease?

Talking with people who understand

Practicing self-acceptance or self-compassion

Speaking up or educating others

It depends/Something else

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Visible symptoms are often one of the first ways psoriatic disease affects self-esteem. Flaking, skin discoloration, and plaques can make people feel exposed, especially in public or during warmer months when more skin is visible.

One MyPsoriasisTeam member said of their skin symptoms, “I felt very ashamed to leave them exposed when I was among strangers.”

Another member described how a recent flare affected their confidence after trying a dietary change that didn’t go as hoped: “If it wasn’t for that ‘experiment,’ I might have been able to wear shorts out in public this summer without feeling embarrassed about how my legs look.”

“This community helps to restore my self-esteem, and I felt seen.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Experiences like these show how unpredictable symptoms can shape everyday choices — even something as simple as what to wear. Over time, some people begin to face these fears in small ways, like gradually showing more skin or going out without covering up. These steps can feel difficult, but they can also help rebuild confidence little by little.

Reactions from others can make self-conscious feelings even stronger. Stares, questions, or wrong ideas that psoriasis is contagious can be painful.

One member recalled the types of questions they’ve received: “‘What’s wrong with your skin!? Is it contagious!!??’”

Another shared, “That’s what I’m dealing with now, with the looks people give me. One person said I have shingles.”

Some members say that responding rather than staying silent can help them feel more in control. That might mean briefly educating someone or using humor.

But choosing not to respond at all is OK, too. Setting boundaries around how much to explain can also help people avoid feeling drained.

Low self-esteem can lead people to pull back from social life. Avoiding outings, canceling plans, or staying home can feel safer than facing questions or judgment.

“I just don’t go outside anymore unless I have to,” one member wrote.

“That’s what I’m dealing with now, with the looks people give me. One person said I have shingles.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Connection can play a key role in rebuilding confidence. Finding others who understand the condition can ease isolation. One MyPsoriasisTeam member shared, “This community helps to restore my self-esteem, and I felt seen.”

Support, whether online or in person, can remind people they’re not alone and help them feel more comfortable being themselves.

Psoriatic disease doesn’t just affect how people look. It can also change what they’re able to do. Pain, fatigue, and symptoms like hair loss can shift how someone sees their identity.

“I feel like the old me is gone and never coming back,” one member said.

“I did my best to hide my skin and my flakes.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Others describe a gradual adjustment. As one member shared, “Although I miss the old me (what I could do/accomplish), the new me can also accomplish things, just at a slower pace. Some things I cannot do anymore, and that’s fine.”

Rebuilding self-esteem often means making space for grief while also finding new ways to feel strong and capable.

Many people describe trying to hide their symptoms with clothing, hairstyles, or by avoiding certain situations. These behaviors can feel protective, but they can also reinforce negative self-image.

“I’ve hated my skin for as far back as I can remember, even before the psoriasis,” one member wrote.

“Now I welcome the glares and educate people on psoriasis.”

— A MyPsoriasisTeam member

Another shared, “I did my best to hide my skin and my flakes.”

Some people eventually begin to challenge these thoughts. Speaking openly, being kinder to yourself, or simply naming difficult feelings can help change how you see yourself.

Rebuilding self-esteem doesn’t usually happen all at once. Instead, many people describe small, everyday strategies that can help.

For some, connection is key. “Talking to everyone in this community helps my confidence,” one member shared.

Others find relief through mindset shifts or creative outlets: “I process grief through comedy,” one member wrote.

Some members also describe learning to face public reactions differently. One person said, “Now I welcome the glares and educate people on psoriasis.”

These approaches won’t look the same for everyone. But they show that confidence can grow again, even while living with a chronic condition.

Join the Conversation

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

How has psoriatic disease affected your self-esteem, and what has helped you rebuild your confidence? Let others know in the comments below.