Healthline has carefully selected these blogs because they are actively working to educate, inspire, and empower their readers with frequent updates and high quality information. If you would like to tell us about a blog, nominate them by emailing us at [email protected]!
When it comes to psoriasis, there are still plenty of myths to dispel - no, it's not contagious - but that's not the only struggle that comes with living with the condition. There are other social ramifications, as well as self-esteem issues, and having to learn how to care for yourself.
Psoriasis affects about 3 percent of the world's population. Almost 8 million people in the United States alone have some form of the condition, with plaque, guttate, and psoriatic arthritis being the most common.
If you're one of those people, here are fellow people with psoriasis who use blogging as a way to cope with and understand their condition.
It's Just a Bad Day
Psoriatic arthritis is only one thing that shows up on Julie Cerrone's medical charts. For years, she battled a host of other conditions that have affected her mobility.
Julie, who also writes for the NPF, calls her blog one of the best things she's done. She discusses her treatments, takes questions from readers, and teaches others to not let their conditions define their lives, just as she's done.
Tweet her: @justagoodlife
The Itch to Beat Psoriasis
His blog, which he updates about two times per month, focuses on the lifestyle and spirituality aspects of psoriasis, including how to come to terms with your condition and what it takes to be a good patient. He also makes the latest research accessible to a layperson audience.Rev. Howard Chang has had severe psoriasis and eczema since his childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area. He volunteers with the NPF and writes about different aspects of his condition on "The Itch to Beat Psoriasis."
Just a Girl with Spots
Like any girl diagnosed with plaque and guttate psoriasis at the age of 15, Joni felt secluded and self-conscious. Not letting the condition define who she is, she says psoriasis has made her stronger, more confident, and aware of what her body and mind need.
She writes about all of this on her blog, which is dedicated to all things psoriasis, including product reviews, gift guides, fashion, motherhood, and more.
Tweet her: @GirlWithSpots
My Skin and I
Everyone with psoriasis has a very intimate relationship with the skin they're in.
Simon Jury began blogging about his psoriasis as a way to release his feelings about the common frustrations and hardships that come with the condition. He speaks directly to his psoriasis and sometimes even allows it to "chime in," as it were. Posts cover how psoriasis affects and is affected by anxiety, the struggles of resisting the urge to itch, and more.
NPF Blog
If you've never heard of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), you must be newly diagnosed. A central hub for community, advocacy, and research, the NPF's blog focuses on the stories of people with psoriasis, along with lifestyle tips, product reviews, and more. They also keep a tight watch on legislation that could affect psoriasis patients.
Besides the blog, the NPF has community boards to discuss any subject, as well as resources for those in various stages of their disease.
Overcoming Psoriasis
If you like your blogs active and diverse in subject matter, bookmark "Overcoming Psoriasis." Todd Bello's blog focuses on both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, along with issues affecting people who have either, like insurance woes and other health considerations.
His posts don't meddle around. He gets straight to the heart of the questions that all patients with psoriasis have: Are biologics safe? Does coconut oil really work? What's it like having a child with psoriasis? Head on over to find out the answers.
Psoriasis Psucks
Sarah's had psoriasis since she was 5, but in her 20 years with the condition, she's never met anyone her age who also has it. But she knows others are out there.
She started her psoriasis-specific Tumblr page for "kvetching, commiserating, and informing" other people who have psoriasis. She also posts art and confessions, and answers people's questions, fostering an online community she lacked growing up.
You can nominate a blog for next year's list by emailing Heathline at [email protected].
Written by Brian Krans
Medically Reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, MS, RD, LD, CDE on April 26, 2016