Imagine trying to focus during a meeting while your skin itches so much it feels like it’s burning. Or feeling self-conscious every time you roll up your sleeves because of red, scaly patches on your arms. For those living with psoriasis, this is a daily reality. Although it’s often dismissed as “just a skin condition”, psoriasis can have a big impact on mental health. And in a professional setting, where appearances and performance are interconnected, the impact becomes even more significant.

A closer look at psoriasis

So, what exactly is psoriasis? In clinical terms, it’s an autoimmune condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing them to build up rapidly on the surface. This results in inflammation, flaking and the formation of thick, silvery scales. It isn’t contagious, but it can be painful, itchy and emotionally distressing. Psoriasis affects around 2% of the British population, meaning nearly 1 in 50 people are dealing with it right now. It can appear at any age, though most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35, a key window in many people’s working lives.

Recognising the signs and symptoms

Psoriasis manifests differently from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales.
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed.
• Itching, burning or soreness.
• Thickened or ridged nails.
• Stiff and swollen joints (in cases where psoriatic arthritis is present).

For some, symptoms are a mild inconvenience. For others, it can flare up so severely that it interferes with basic workplace tasks.

Psoriasis in the workplace

The workplace often plays a role in triggering or worsening psoriasis. Stress is one of the most common triggers and for many people, the workplace is their main source of stress. Combine that with long hours, lack of access to sunlight, poor air quality or exposure to skin irritants, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Employers don’t need to become dermatologists, but they do need to be aware and proactive. Workplace adjustments might be as simple as ensuring access to handwashing stations that don’t dry out skin or introducing uniforms made from softer, more breathable materials.

Treatments, what helps?

While there’s no known cure for psoriasis, there are several effective treatments that can help manage symptoms. These range from topical creams and phototherapy to medications that target the immune system. Modern treatments have come a long way, but consistency is key. Employers can also play a role. Flexible scheduling for dermatology appointments, access to occupational health advice and stress management programmes all contribute to better outcomes for employees.

How employees can take control

The first step employees can take in managing their condition is to understand their personal triggers. This may be stress, lack of sleep or things like exposure to cleaning chemicals. If employees don’t know their triggers, then a good idea is to keep a symptom diary, noting when flare-ups occur and what may have triggered them. It’s important to then communicate these triggers with line managers and HR teams so that suitable adjustments can be made.

Creating psoriasis-friendly workplaces

At MOHS, we believe that the physical and emotional wellbeing of employees are inseparable from their success at work. It’s easy to overlook psoriasis in occupational health discussions. After all, it’s not an injury or an obvious hazard, but the reality is that psoriasis is more common than people realise. If you’re an employer looking to support your team or an employee seeking guidance, we are here to help. Let’s work together to ensure psoriasis is recognised in the workplace.