Nursing with Psoriasis?

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So,

I've gotten my place in college to do general nursing and I am sooo excited and nervous to start the course! :D It's something I've always wanted to do and I really can't wait for the course to start, but as the weeks get closer and closer I feel a little bit anxious.

You see, last September I was diagnosed with severe guttate and scalp psoriasis. I've been able to keep it under control so far and having flare-ups is mainly just uncomfortable for me, but the worst part is that I do flare up on my face as well, which as you can imagine is not a good look for a future nurse to be rocking. :bag: :laugh:

Also since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, I'm afraid that I would be easily susceptible to illnesses making me not the best candidate for nursing.

Anyways, do you think a career in nursing would be okay for someone with a condition affecting their immune system and can be easily seen in my case. Also if you can give me some advice that would help a lot. :)

Sinéad.

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Specializes in Documentation, Medication Administration.
You see, last September I was diagnosed with severe guttate and scalp psoriasis. I've been able to keep it under control so far and having flare-ups is mainly just uncomfortable for me, but the worst part is that I do flare up on my face as well, which as you can imagine is not a good look for a future nurse to be rocking.

First off, you're not alone. I also have psoriasis but I only have scalp psoriasis and don't get some flakes on my face. It must be hard dealing with it and you must be insecure as well. What you need to do is to go to a doctor (preferrably a dermatologist) and see if they have any medications to keep this under control. Can I ask you something? Are you currently taking meds for your psoriasis? You didn't mention it on your post. Also, you need to stop stressing out so much because stress is also the cause of flare ups.

You said that you're able to keep your psoriasis in check, but the question is, how? How are you able to do it?

Anyways, do you think a career in nursing would be okay for someone with a condition affecting their immune system and can be easily seen in my case.

Just to let you know, psoriasis isn't a contagious disease. Just because a person has psoriasis doesn't mean that you'll affect the other patients.

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I've had psoriasis for a long while now and have seen so many doctors and dermatologists. I have been keeping it under control with loads of topical creams, corticosteroids and such but no medications so far, i also had Phototherapy in September which cleared it up mostly but with psoriasis it always flares up again. At the moment I have nothing too stressful to worry about, but I have heard that the nursing programme is tough. Something to look forward to i guess. :laugh:

Having Psoriasis on my face (although it's not really easy to see right now) does make me a bit insecure but having dealt with it for a while I'm at peace with it. I just know how people react when seeing psoriasis and if it could be a problem in the nursing field since I can't exactly cover it up.

I know psoriasis is not contagious and it shouldn't be a problem in that regard, my main worry with my psoriasis and pursuing nursing is about the affect psoriasis has on my immune system and if it would be a problem dealing with sick patients. It wouldn't be good if I kept getting sick and since psoriasis is constantly affecting my immune system my only fear is that it would be a problem. I hope it won't though.

How do you find dealing with your psoriasis and nursing school?

:) Hope all is going well.

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Specializes in Documentation, Medication Administration.
How do you find dealing with your psoriasis and nursing school?

Actually, I've been done with nursing school about 3 years ago. All I did was put on an ointment in my hair (which made my hair greasy) and wash it off with Neutrogena shampoo. Also, I had to limit my intake of shrimp since I can't eat too much of it because it causes flare ups on my scalp. What causes your flare ups? You need to know what causes it. Maybe it's the food you're eating or the environment. Once you pin point the cause, then you'll know that you need to avoid it.

I've never tried phototherapy before. My dermatologist told me that the procedure takes less than 30 minutes.

Nursing school is really stressful and tough because I've had my clinical instructor, patients, and a patient's family yell at me before. You don't need to get good grades but make sure that you at least get a C.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Hi there, Nursing Student with psoriasis here! First off, congratulations on getting accepted to nursing school :)! Second, don't let psoriasis hold you back for your future career as a nurse! We are all human (nurses too) and that means we all have conditions. I understand flare ups can be embarrassing but these types of things are just a part of life. In nursing school you will see and learn how to handle a variety of situations that often involve peoples appearance and you'll learn to just go with it. Don't let your psoriasis define you. Keep a positive upbeat attitude and I guarantee the only thing people will be thinking is how great of a nurse you are!

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Also since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, I'm afraid that I would be easily susceptible to illnesses making me not the best candidate for nursing.

As long as you always use correct clean or sterile techniques when working with patients (which you should always be doing anyway - psoriasis or not) you will okay! And you'll learn all of this in nursing school :)

Congrats again and best of luck!

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