Psoriasis and the Workplace: Managing Symptoms on the Job

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that can significantly impact various aspects of life, including work. Managing psoriasis in the workplace involves addressing symptoms, understanding your legal rights, and effectively communicating with employers and colleagues. This article provides tips for managing psoriasis at work, discusses legal rights and accommodations, and offers advice on communicating about your condition.

Tips for Managing Psoriasis at Work

Maintain a Skincare Routine

Keeping your skin healthy is crucial for managing psoriasis symptoms. Here are some tips to maintain your skincare routine while at work:

1. Moisturize Regularly: Keep a travel-sized moisturizer at your desk and apply it throughout the day to prevent dryness.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
3. Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid workplace triggers that can exacerbate your symptoms, such as harsh chemicals, stress, and dry environments.
4. Take Breaks: Take short breaks to stretch and move around, which can help reduce stress and improve circulation.

Dress Comfortably

Choosing the right clothing can make a significant difference in managing psoriasis symptoms at work:

1. Wear Soft, Breathable Fabrics: Opt for cotton or other soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate your skin.
2. Layer Clothing: Layer your clothing to help regulate your body temperature and avoid overheating, which can trigger flare-ups.
3. Choose Loose-Fitting Clothes: Avoid tight clothing that can rub against your skin and cause irritation.

Manage Stress

Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Implementing stress management techniques can help you stay calm and focused at work:

1. Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises.
2. Stay Organized: Keeping your workspace organized and planning your tasks can reduce stress and improve productivity.
3. Seek Support: Talk to a trusted colleague or mentor if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Keep Supplies Handy

Having essential supplies at your workstation can help you manage psoriasis symptoms discreetly:

1. Moisturizer: As mentioned earlier, keep a moisturizer within reach.
2. Medications: If you need to apply topical treatments during the day, keep them in a discreet bag.
3. Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle at your desk.
4. Healthy Snacks: Keep healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and yogurt to maintain energy levels and avoid processed foods that may trigger inflammation.

Legal Rights and Accommodations

Understanding your legal rights and the accommodations you are entitled to can help you navigate the workplace more confidently.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Under the ADA, psoriasis may be considered a disability if it substantially limits one or more major life activities. This means you have the right to reasonable accommodations to help you perform your job effectively.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations are adjustments or modifications that enable employees with disabilities to perform their job duties. Examples of accommodations for psoriasis include:

1. Flexible Work Schedule: Adjusting work hours to accommodate medical appointments or to avoid peak stress times.
2. Modified Workspace: Providing a workspace with adequate ventilation and temperature control to prevent skin irritation.
3. Remote Work: Allowing the option to work from home, especially during severe flare-ups.
4. Ergonomic Equipment: Providing ergonomic chairs and desks to reduce physical strain.

How to Request Accommodations

1. Inform Your Employer: Notify your employer about your condition and the need for accommodations. You are not required to disclose specific medical details, only that you have a medical condition that requires accommodations.
2. Provide Documentation: You may need to provide documentation from your healthcare provider to support your request.
3. Work with HR: Collaborate with your human resources department to identify and implement appropriate accommodations.

Communicating with Employers and Colleagues

Effective communication about your condition can help foster a supportive work environment.

Talking to Your Employer

1. Schedule a Meeting: Arrange a private meeting with your supervisor or HR representative to discuss your condition and accommodation needs.
2. Be Honest and Direct: Explain how psoriasis affects your work and what accommodations would help you perform your job more effectively.
3. Provide Information: Offer educational materials about psoriasis to help your employer understand your condition better.

Talking to Colleagues

1. Decide What to Share: Determine how much information you are comfortable sharing with your colleagues.
2. Keep It Simple: Use simple, clear language to explain your condition and how it might affect your work.
3. Set Boundaries: Let your colleagues know if there are certain topics or questions that you are uncomfortable discussing.

Educating Others

Raising awareness about psoriasis in the workplace can help reduce stigma and promote understanding:

1. Share Resources: Provide colleagues with brochures or links to reputable websites for more information about psoriasis.
2. Organize Informational Sessions: If comfortable, consider organizing a short informational session or lunch-and-learn about psoriasis.
3. Lead by Example: Demonstrate that psoriasis does not define your capabilities or professionalism.

Conclusion

Managing psoriasis in the workplace involves a combination of practical strategies, understanding your legal rights, and effective communication. By maintaining a skincare routine, managing stress, and seeking appropriate accommodations, you can create a more comfortable and supportive work environment. Educating your employer and colleagues about psoriasis can also help foster understanding and reduce stigma. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and support available to help you navigate your professional life with psoriasis.

Bibliography

1. National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Psoriasis and the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/psoriasis-and-the-workplace.
2. American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Managing Psoriasis: Tips for the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis.
3. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (2021). The Americans with Disabilities Act. Retrieved from https://www.eeoc.gov/statutes/americans-disabilities-act-1990-ada.
4. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Psoriasis: Diagnosis and Treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355842.

Keywords

• Psoriasis
• Workplace accommodations
• Psoriasis management
• Legal rights
• ADA
• Skincare routine
• Stress management
• Employee support
• Chronic illness at work