Swimming Pools & DS 8 w/ Psoriasis

[Biscuitsmom31]

We are leaving for Disney in two days and my son's psoriasis has decided to flare in a major way. He loves to swim but it is almost not worth it because of the way people react. I have seen parents literally snatch their child out the water and run back like he has leperacy or something. Then they glare at me like I am some evil woman who has exposed their child to the horrible disease. I get the "Does he have chicken pox?" question from numerous concerned parents. Then, of course, and employee approaches me and tells me that parents have been complaining and want to know what is wrong with my son. I am to the point where I dread taking the kids swimming. Do I need to carry a flashing neon sign that says "It's psoriasis. It's not contagious!"

It's also very hot and he is going to wear shorts and short sleaves to the parks. Any advice on how to handle this?

 

[badbrad25]

I think the best thing for him and you would be to go on about your business and have fun! Enjoy your vacation! Any chance of a quick trip to the dermatologist (sp) for prescription?

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

He's already on the strongest prescription available for a child under 12. His psoriasis is relatively unresponsive to the medications, even oral steroids.

 

[badbrad25]

I was in 5th grade when I came down with psoriasis, really bad. I definetly feel for your son. People will always say and do mean things. I hope this isnt the case during your trip though.

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

Thank you. I'm going to think positive. I'm still up packing. I'm going to be worthless at work tomorrow.

 

[Carys]

Do I need to carry a flashing neon sign that says "It's psoriasis. It's not contagious!"

It's also very hot and he is going to wear shorts and short sleaves to the parks. Any advice on how to handle this?

I know exactly how and you he feels - even as an adult my psoriasis flares up every so often, including at the moment. Normally it's not so visible because of what I wear, but especially over last summer I always felt the need to explain to my co-workers what it was, because of bad patches on my hands and wrists and the ensuing odd looks.

I use a restrictive diet my doctor gave me to help, but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be a good idea for a kid to do something similar, since they're growing and need all kinds of foods. I also sometimes use aqueous cream in place of body wash, just to help with the dryness of the skin. I'm not sure what I could suggest that could help your son's skin though - if he's on steroids and creams, it sounds like you guys have already taken good medical advice anyway. Maybe just to get him to shower as soon as practical once he's finished swimming, to help get rid of any irritating chemicals on his skin

Go right ahead and have an awesome holiday - it sounds like you've got the right idea when you say "think positive." There will always be people out there who are scared of anything "different" and will react insensitively and there will also be people who surprise you by being understanding and not making an issue out of it - it's such a common condition.

Plus - it's Disney World!! You're going to have the most awesome, most fabulous time and any odd blips will pale in comparison to how much fun you guys are going to have. (I'm being positive too because I'm visiting Disney World for the first time in December -twice- so I'm *hoping* it's going to be awesome!! with so many rave reviews, how could it be otherwise???) Yay for the mouse!!!
:thewave:

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

My 6 yr old DD was diagnosed with Psoriasis this past year and she is having a terrible time with her feet. She can't wear shoes right now and school starts in two weeks. We are making another trip to childrens hospital in Milwaukee on monday. In one of the many information packets we were given it states to cover the plaques with vasiline so the chorine isn't so drying. I do not know how to create a link but here is the address for the national psoriasis foundation getinfo@npfusa.org. There is a section on young people living with psoriasis. There are many powerful phrases to make your child feel batter when someone make a rude comment. I hope you and your family will have a great time as I know we will in Dec.

 

[Danauk]

I have psoriasis quite badly (although fortunately it isn't too bad at the moment.) When I went to WDW last August my psoriasis was quite bad but I managed to swim most days. I swam in Stormalong bay, in the quiet pool at the BC and at both BB and TL. I didn't have any problems and didn't hear any comments.
When I was younger I would cover up all summer (I remember one summer when I was 17 going on orchestra tour to Austria and the temps were over 100 degrees each day and I wore long sleeved tshrts and jogging bottoms all day!!) but now I don't bother, I wear shorts and tshirts. I work as a teacher and sometimes the children ask what is wrong. When I tell them have psoriasis they ususally reply with "Oh OK" or my "dad/mum/sister has that too". They are just being inquisative.
I hope you have a great holiday.

 

[ironz]

Oh, your poor sweet baby!
Don't know where he is affected the most...arms?...but there are some swim shirts I have seen. But the ones I have seen are short-sleeved. Just in case that would make him feel more comfortable.
But I like the other posters suggestions to just try to go with it and maybe educate a few other Disney guests if needed.

have fun!! let us know how it goes!

eta: I just did a google search for swim shirt...there are some out there...not esp. cheap, but there are some long and short sleeve varieties. With the added bonus that the fabric will also block the sun.

Good luck!

 

[Biscuitsmom31]

I feel better about it now. My main concern is that I don't want him to feel embarrassed. It's not like long sleaves and long pants would hide it all anyway. He has it all around and inside his ears and along his hairline (on top of every place else imaginable) so it's going to be visible reguardless. His teachers have told me that he handles it really well at school so hopefully he will do the same at Disney.

 

[llb]

I also have it. The sun will help it to clear, its ussually better in summer than winter. Here's my suggestion for the gaukers. When you see someone staring at your son, before they have a chance to say anything. you say to them"I noticed that your staring at my son, don't be alarmed its only psorisis". Its easier to prevent your son from being uncomfortable than it is ot make him feel better after. Many times people don't realize they are staring, you can bring that to thier attention in a very nice way. Don't forget to smile big when you say it. Sometimes people are just not graceful of tactful, and it becomes are job to bring them there. Enjoy your trip.

 

[HeatherPage]

No advice here but I can't believe people would react that way to your son (I have a 3 year old and can't imagine acting that way towards a child) I'm sorry your son has come across these *********. He sounds like a great kid (judging by what his teachers have told you). Let him know that not all people are like that and to not to waste his time feeling embarrased because of some small-minded idiots. The only other thing I can suggest is for you not to focus so much on other's people reactions and hopefully he won't either. I hope he has a great time!

 

[gigi1313]

don't know when you'll be there or where you're staying, but i can promise my kids won't run screaming from the pool and would be more than happy to play w/your ds in the pool... look us up, we'll be at POFQ this time next week