Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on June 05, 2024
10 Ways to Improve Your Sex Life When You Have Psoriasis

10 Ways to Improve Your Sex Life When You Have Psoriasis

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Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes a buildup of skin cells. It causes reddening and puffing of the skin, itchiness, flaking, and many more uncomfortable symptoms.

That's not all, though. People with psoriasis have a greater chance of developing anxiety, depression, and self-esteem problems. Psoriasis symptoms are uncomfortable and can cause problems in your bedroom. 

So, how can you maintain a sex life if you have psoriasis? 

Explore (and Stick to) Treatment Options

Explore (and Stick to) Treatment Options

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Treating your psoriasis symptoms will prevent it from impacting your sex life. Reducing your discomfort, physically and emotionally, allows for more satisfying intimacy.

Everyone's psoriasis is different. Find out the treatment options that work for you and stick to them to minimize your symptoms.

Learn About Psoriasis

Learn About Psoriasis

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Learn what you can about psoriasis so you can communicate with your partner. The more you know, the better you can communicate and answer their questions.

Learn About Options in Your Sex Life

Learn About Options in Your Sex Life

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If you're self-conscious about your psoriasis and wish to avoid your affected areas as much as possible, explore what sexual options are available. You may learn about new positions or ways of showing physical affection that can accommodate your psoriasis. 

Communicate With Your Partner

Communicate With Your Partner

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As with any relationship, it's essential to communicate with your partner when you have psoriasis. Talk about your needs, concerns, and what to do about them. Open communication can ensure that your sex life is safe and comfortable. 

Make Communication Sexy

Make Communication Sexy

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Talking about medical conditions may not be that sexy, but talking about your needs can be. When communicating your needs to your partner regarding your psoriasis, take charge. Walk them through what you want in the bedroom. 

Make Your Sex Life a Priority

Make Your Sex Life a Priority

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It can be challenging to prioritize sex when you're concerned about your psoriasis. One way to take charge of your sex life is by scheduling time to be intimate. Make it something you plan and not something that simply happens.

Practice Physical Affection

Practice Physical Affection

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If you've avoided touching due to your psoriasis, being intimate might take some getting used to. Take time outside of sex to be touched by your partner to establish a sense of intimacy that you can take into the bedroom. 

Cover up in Style

Cover up in Style

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When you're feeling self-conscious about your psoriasis, you can wear clothing, concealer, or body makeup to cover up. Still, you don't feel that you have to wear unflattering clothing on a date. 

Take time to revamp your wardrobe. Find ways to cover your psoriasis but still look good. 

Know Your Psoriasis Triggers

Know Your Psoriasis Triggers

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Since everyone's psoriasis is different, your triggers are unique to you. Common triggers include sun exposure, stress, skin damage, and smoking.

If you've got a date coming up, knowing what will cause your psoriasis to flare will prevent some discomfort. 

Seek Professional Help

Seek Professional Help

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As embarrassing as it might sound, you can talk to your dermatologist about your sex life. They can suggest treatment options geared toward improving your sex life. A sex therapist may also be able to help.