When you're intimate with another person, you want to look your best and feel confident. But what if you have the skin condition psoriasis?

A scaly, flaky rash can make you feel anxious and embarrassed rather than sexy. Also, people with psoriasis have a higher rate of erectile dysfunction.

If you have psoriasis and you're dating, you might feel awkward about sharing that you have psoriasis. Or you may worry about how other people will respond. A new partner might be unfamiliar with your condition and fear that it's contagious or feel unsure about how to touch you without irritating your skin.

Painful or itchy psoriasis patches on your genitals or other parts of your body also can be distracting during intimacy or cause you to feel so self-conscious that you avoid it altogether.

But many people with psoriasis enjoy healthy emotional and physical relationships with their partners. Here are some suggestions to help you cope:

• Talk to your health care provider. If you're uncomfortable during intimacy because of your psoriasis, talk with your health care provider. Take your medicines as prescribed. Avoid using a strong coal tar product on your genitals, as it can cause irritation.
• Love yourself first. If you're having trouble accepting that you have a long-term condition, you can't expect your partner to do so. Focus on becoming comfortable in your own skin. Your confidence will help put your partner at ease.
• Decide when and how to talk about psoriasis with your partner. Consider what will make you feel most comfortable. Some people choose to discuss their psoriasis with a partner right away. Others wait until they see how the relationship progresses.
• Practice and prepare what you'll say. When you start a conversation about psoriasis with your partner, be prepared to answer questions. Your partner might not understand what it means to have long-term psoriasis. Put yourself in your partner's shoes and think about what you would want to know.
• Discuss what it means for your relationship. Be open about how psoriasis affects your life. For example, explain that if you're having a flare, you might not be interested in sex. But you can find other ways to be intimate during these times so that you and your partner still feel connected.

Psoriasis might pose challenges, but don't let it get in the way of intimacy with your partner. Understand how to manage your symptoms and openly communicate with your partner. This can improve your self-confidence — and your relationship.

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Feb. 15, 2023 See more In-depth