Real Talk

Real Talk

An Open Letter: The 2 Words Not to Say to Someone with Chronic Illness

This open letter explains that the words “Feel better” can sting when said to a person with multiple sclerosis (MS) or another chronic illness. This phrase does not acknowledge the condition’s permanence or often invisible symptoms and can leave the person you’re trying to help feeling worse.

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Shop Small and Spoonie-Owned: Here’s Where to Start

Discover the resilience and creativity behind these incredible businesses run by individuals living with chronic illnesses.

Real Talk

When the Holidays Aren’t Joyful

Financial burdens, the stress of travel, the inability to enjoy many holiday foods, and other factors all conspire to make the holidays a time when it's easy to give in to depression.

Real Talk

I Refused to Try Autoimmune Elimination Diets — Here’s Why I Stand By That Decision

After years of struggling with an eating disorder, prioritizing my relationship with food was crucial in my psoriasis journey. Advocating for personalized care was a challenge but was ultimately worth it when I discovered relief on my terms.

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Living with Chronic Illness? Artificial Intelligence May Be Your New Ally

Artificial intelligence could help to make healthcare more equitable and inclusive. Read on to discover what this could mean for chronic illness care.

Real Talk

Your Story, Your Rules: Choosing How Much You Share

I was once an open book about my chronic illness on social media. But then I felt like I wanted to close that chapter for good. Here's why I now share my stories in moderation.

Real Talk

When an Invisible Illness Turns Visible: The Challenges and Surprises of Being Seen

I've previously advocated for my invisible illness to be seen. As my symptoms have progressed and become more visible, I've sometimes found myself longing for it to be invisible again. Here's how I've navigated this change.

Real Talk

My Struggle Wardrobe: The Battle Between Psoriasis and Personal Style

Clothing is a form of self-expression, so sacrificing style is a tough part of living with psoriasis. While letting go of certain preferences has been difficult, I’m gradually discovering ways to maintain my sense of self.

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I Went All In on Alkaline Products to Go Acid-Free ... Here’s What Happened

I was influenced by social media to try alkaline supplements. After a trip (or two) to the hospital, and several surgeries later, I've learned the hard way about the dangers of misinformation.

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Busting Psoriasis Treatment Myths: Setting the Record Straight

Many online scams offer "miracle cures" and fake treatments for psoriasis. When seeking relief, here's how to stay informed to protect yourself from any misinformation harm.

Real Talk

Cracking the Code on Supplements: How to Spot the Best and Avoid the Rest

Buzzy marketing can make herbs and supplements seem enticing, but do you really need them? Here's what to look out for.

Real Talk

Food Sensitivity Testing: The Fictions Behind the Fad

Food sensitivity testing is making the rounds, with companies suggesting their test results can help you select a diet to treat your chronic condition. But is there truth to the headlines? Here's what you should know.

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I Was Gaslit into Believing I Could Cure My Psoriasis with Sugar Pills and Positive Thoughts

When I went to an alternative medicine practitioner who exploited my desperation, I learned that the all-natural route has the potential to attract predatory people selling misinformation and phony cures. I now combine holistic approaches with evidence-based medical care.

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Truth or Hype? How to Spot Health Misinformation

False health claims are out there, but you can sharpen your spidey sense so you don't fall for the fictions.

Real Talk

Facing My Fears: What I Learned When the ‘Natural Cures’ Didn’t Work

I’m the type of person who fell for the promises of natural things curing my condition. I tried “cures” advertised on the internet because I was terrified of starting medication. Here’s what I learned.

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9 Things I Took for Granted Before Chronic Illness

When you’re healthy, you don’t think twice about enjoying a pain-free day or spontaneously staying over at a friend’s house. But with chronic illness, these simple pleasures become symbols of freedom — things you once took for granted and never thought you’d lose.

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The Psychology of Misinformation: Why We Buy into BS

The internet means everything is at our fingertips, even misinformation. Here's why it spreads, plus how to protect yourself and your community.

Real Talk

How I Managed When Insurance Stopped Paying for My Biologics

Some psoriasis medications are costly, making insurance essential for access. If your insurance company hinders your treatment, it’s crucial to advocate for the care you deserve.

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Medications Can Be a Hard Pill to Swallow Amidst Pressures to Heal Naturally

Pressures to “go the natural route” can feel overwhelming when living with chronic illness. Here’s why this can be dangerous.

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Feeling Alone in My Decision About Biologics and Pregnancy

Deciding whether to continue biologic medication during pregnancy is a challenging and stressful experience for many mothers, particularly when faced with limited medical knowledge and professional advice. This article explores one woman's journey through this dilemma and the outcome of her decision.

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Am I Overidentifying with My Chronic Illness?

My illness is not my identity. Here's how I'm working to decouple them.

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It Happened to Me: A HIPAA Violation

HIPAA should protect your health information. Here's my experience of a HIPAA violation while receiving home healthcare.

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Why Being a ‘Good Patient’ Could Be Harmful to Your Health

Good patient syndrome can be a response to trauma. Those of us with chronic illnesses may exhibit people-pleasing behaviors to stay on doctors’ good sides, but that can ultimately endanger our health.

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Love, Connection, and Chronic Illness: A Dating App Designed for Us

Dating with chronic illness can involve uncomfortable conversations. This app can make it easier.

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How to Find Control When It Feels Like Your Chronic Illness Makes All the Rules

It can easily feel like chronic illness makes all the rules. Here’s how I found control.

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Figuring Out Life with Multiple Chronic Illnesses: How I Did It

Take it from me, pacing yourself is key.

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10 Ways to Embrace Uncertainty When You Experience Chronic Illness

Chronic illness isn't predictable, but you can learn to surf the waves for greater well-being.

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The Honest Realities of Chronic Illness We Don’t Often Discuss

Here's how I've found ways to share unspoken realities in ways that feel right for me.

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From Fruit Strips to First Aid and Flare Management

Here’s a look at some essential items that help me get through the day.

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10 Ways to Find Support When You Live Alone with Chronic Illness

Living alone with a condition can be challenging, but there are people who want to help.

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How Mainstream Brands Are Making Furniture Accessible for All

From beauty to fashion, industries have begun to make their products more inclusive. But what about furniture?

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How to Adapt to Life with an Incurable Condition

When we accept the painful parts of life, it can become more beautiful.

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5 Promises I Made to Myself and How They’ve Changed

Some promises helped, but most had to change for me to live well with rheumatoid arthritis. Here's why and what they mean to me now.

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How to Respond to Chronic Illness Comments During the Holidays

These funny or serious responses can help combat well-intentioned yet sometimes misguided comments.

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The Truth About Chronic Illness and Fatigue

Fatigue is common in those living with chronic illnesses. But this symptom is often treated as an afterthought. Here's what you should know and what might help.

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Can You Get a Tattoo with Psoriasis?

Skin conditions can make tattoos complicated. Here are the important facts and risks to consider when deciding what's best for you.

Real Talk

What Twitter’s Downfall Means for Chronic Condition Communities

The chronic condition community on Twitter has changed my life. I'm worried about what will happen without it.

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Ambassador James Takes Life’s Stage with Humor and Acceptance

Meet James, an ambassador with Bezzy Psoriasis, and learn how he manages psoriasis and why he doesn’t hide flares anymore.

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What to Expect When You’re Expecting: Navigating Pregnancy and New Motherhood with PsA

Jenny Durand shares her experience navigating pregnancy and motherhood with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

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9 Tips to Overcome Medical Gaslighting in Psoriasis

When your doctor isn’t supporting you and your needs, here are some ways you can advocate for yourself.

Real Talk

Unhidden’s Founder Talks About Creating Clothes for Every Body

Providing dignity and identity to those living with disabilities is at the core of Unhidden's mission. Learn more about this adaptive clothing brand that featured at London Fashion Week.

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Feeling Unseen and Unheard: Is This Medical Gaslighting or Something Else?

Not feeling fully supported in healthcare settings can be common. It's important to know why you might be feeling this way — whether from medical gaslighting or from limited medical resources — and what you can do about it.

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Am I Oversharing? 8 Tips for Navigating Social Media with a Chronic Illness

There are no perfect answers for how much to share and how much to hold back, but there are guidelines that might help you determine the right approach for you.

Real Talk

What It’s Like Being Chronically Ill in the Time of Wellness

Unsolicited medical advice is exhausting — and sometimes even plain rude. The wellness industry needs to wake up to the realities of living with a chronic illness.

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13 Great Women Who Have Made a Difference in the Psoriasis Community

Bezzy Psoriasis is excited to celebrate Women’s History Month this March. We are proud to highlight some special women who have changed the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) communities for the better.

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How Fatigue Changed My Mindset as a Disability Activist

Hustle culture and the pandemic made me hit a breaking point. I was exhausted, but being an activist made me want to fight on. Now, I live by a different mantra.

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How Chronic Illness Affects More Than Just Your Physical Health

The nonphysical effects of living with a chronic condition are often ignored or underestimated. We need to change that. These are nine ways that living with a chronic condition has affected my life and strategies I've found to help me cope.

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Ableist Language in Pop Culture and How It Affects People with Chronic Illness

Ableism and ableist language are all too common, especially in pop culture. Learn how to recognize this language and ways to be more mindful of the words you choose.

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Ask Joni: What Are Some Ways to Deal with Scalp Psoriasis?

What can you do about psoriasis on the scalp? Joni shares tips on treatments and how to disguise patches and flakes.

Real Talk

Ask Joni: Does Psoriasis Cause Arthritis?

Welcome to Ask Joni, an advice column by Joni Kazantzis, the community guide for Bezzy Psoriasis.

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The Way We Treat the Undiagnosed Needs to Change

Being undiagnosed is an under-acknowledged stage of living with chronic physical or mental symptoms.

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My Journey to Becoming a Chronic Illness Advocate on Social Media

Writer Nia G. discusses her journey to becoming a social media advocate after her chronic illness diagnoses.

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What the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Means for the Chronically Ill and Disabled Communities

The court’s decision affects all Americans, but disabled, chronically ill, and disadvantaged people will be disproportionately affected. They face healthcare inequities, poverty, and more.

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Don’t Take Away My Methotrexate! How Roe v. Wade Has Changed Vital Medication Access

Overturning Roe v. Wade has far-reaching consequences for many communities — including access to needed medication like methotrexate.

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Recognizing Signs of Medical Trauma When You Live with a Chronic Condition

Medical trauma is real but sometimes it can be hard to recognize. If you live with a chronic condition it is especially important to be aware of how traumatic medical scenarios can have lasting effects. If you have experienced medical trauma, it is important to know you are not alone.

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What I’ve Learned About Self-Advocacy When Living with a Chronic Condition

When living with a chronic condition or disability, finding and using your voice is a must.

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5 Questions I’m Tired of Answering About Psoriasis

Living with psoriasis is tough. Answering personal questions from strangers about my psoriasis makes it so much harder.

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How Living with Psoriasis Has Shaped My Relationship with My Body

Accepting my diagnosis and the skin I am living in will forever be a process, but I’m proud of where my relationship with my body is today.

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What Art Has Taught Me About Embracing My Psoriasis

Art has shown me that visible differences should be celebrated, documented, and shown to the world.

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What I Learned About Chronic Illness Coaches While Seeking Support for a New Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease left me feeling overwhelmed and alone. It was challenging to find the social and emotional support I needed.

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Medical Gaslighting Is Real, and It May Have Happened to You

A patient’s word should be believed. You shouldn't need to fight to advocate for your health when you're feeling your worst.

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My 15-Year Path to an Inverse Psoriasis Diagnosis

Jenna Glazer was misdiagnosed with nail and skin fungus for years before finally being diagnosed with inverse psoriasis. Here's her story.

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How I Balance Advocacy and Privacy Living with a Chronic Condition

Some days, sharing about my life with MS feels useful and authentic. Other times, I'd rather keep the details to myself.

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A Flare Does Not Mean You’ve Done Something “Wrong”

When you live with chronic pain, you can’t stop the weather, but you can learn to adjust your sails.

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How to Rebuild Trust with Doctors After a Misdiagnosis

When it comes to living with a chronic condition, the doctor-patient relationship will be one of the most important connections you ever build.

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Your Productivity Doesn’t Determine Your Worth. Here’s How to Let That Sink In

Despite what our culture may lead you to believe, you are so much more than a to-do list.

Real Talk

How I Learned to Love My Swimsuit Body with Psoriasis

Ciena Rae has been living with psoriasis her whole life. In this article, she talks about how building a community online helped her learn to love her body.

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TV Host Louise Roe Shares Her Inside Perspective on Plaque Psoriasis

The television host and fashion journalist hopes sharing her story will encourage others to do the same and help change misconceptions about people living with psoriasis.