How Do I Choose the Best Psoriasis Support Group?

Choosing the best psoriasis support group typically depends on a variety of personal circumstances, such as which type of psoriasis the patient has, how old he is, and the extent of the disease. There are support groups that are solely aimed at those who are living with psoriatic arthritis. This type of psoriasis typically causes the usual skin manifestations, such as silvery skin patches and lesions, but it also causes joint pain, swelling, and fatigue. Effective treatments are available for all types of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is thought to be an auto-immune disorder, however, the etiology remains unclear. For this reason, psoriasis sufferers will often join a psoriasis support group to learn more about their condition and to get psoriasis help. Choosing a support group is a personal choice that needs to be considered based on an individuals medical, social, and emotional needs. Frequently, people with severe skin manifestations of psoriasis are self-conscious and need the emotional support that a psoriasis support group offers.

Medical science has made great strides in the treatment of psoriasis. New medications called "biologics" are administered via injection or intravenously. Although biologic drugs can cause serious side effects, such as infection and elevated risk of certain cancers, they are showing promise in relieving debilitating symptoms of the condition. Since these drugs are relatively new in the treatment of psoriasis, patients receiving them can benefit from a psoriasis support group to share their experiences with the treatment.

The psoriasis patient has many resources that he can take advantage of. The physician can direct him to support groups that are most specific to his condition. For example, if the patient is interested in joining a medically informative psoriasis support group, he may benefit from a hospital-based group. Conversely, if the individual is seeking a psoriasis support group that focuses more on the social and emotional aspects of the condition, he may be directed to a community-based group.

When coping with a chronic condition like psoriasis, meeting people who are facing similar challenges can be beneficial in the healing process. It helps to know that the sufferer is not alone, and that other people are experiencing similar symptoms and challenges. Support groups are typically free to attend, so even those people with budgetary constraints can attend without the added burden of paying for the support group.