Dear Coog,
I have psoriasis, and it spreads quite noticeably during the fall and winter. As a result, people are beginning to shy away from me and give me strange looks. I have tried talking about the topic and explaining that it is in no way contagious, but they still seem to be grossed out by it. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Flaky friend
Dear Flaky,
I am sorry for you because I have a family member that has suffered for many years with it and have seen the pain and embarrassment it can cause.
First of all, you should never feel ashamed of something you have no control over. If people choose to treat you differently because of the way you look, then they aren’t worth your time nor are they worth the time it takes to explain what psoriasis is.
Because there is no cure for it you may deal with it for the rest of your life. Clothes are a wonderful camouflage, and with the weather turning cooler, it will be an easy fix for you.
Psoriasis should not change who you are, nor should it change how others see you. And as for those that are reacting differently to you, they are the ones that are flaky, not you.
Dear Coog,
I have to say, I have read your column every week, and some of the things discussed just don’t seem like things college students would write to an anonymous stranger about. I mean, get real! Do you think you are the "Dear Abby" of the college campus? What makes you think you can give advice?
Doubtful by day
Dear Doubtful,
The fact of the matter is that some people are simply too shy or embarrassed to ask their friends about certain issues, and I wanted to provide a space where they could do so without persecution.
As for my qualifications – I am not a medical professional, but I am a great listener and pay attention to details. I have dealt with a lot of issues as an active member of the community, and I thought it best to share what I could with our fellow Cougars.
I hope I have clarified everything for you. I’m sorry you have doubts about the authenticity of Ask Coog.
Remember, Coog is here for all of you, even if it is to provide previously stated information. Think of it as a place for advice and, or as one local radio station puts it, "Dumb question amnesty."
Until next week,
Coog
Remember, I’m available through [email protected]