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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to be so fucking hurt by them

204 replies

bumblebeesarecute · 16/04/2023 23:57

I have hideous psoriasis. Im self conscious of it everyday- its like an outline of crusts all around my scalp. I can't hide it- it extends onto my face and neck- and my entire scalp is bright red with chunky white crusts on it.

I was having a massive flare up and I knew it looked awful. At work a customer pointed it out loudly and said it looked very sore. No shit, captain obvious. I ignored and tried not to show I was hurt.

But what upset me most is my friends/co-workers pointing it out and talking about it. They know I have a skin condition, they know it flares up, I dont know why they felt the need to point it out like this. They are the type who are blunt but actually just rude. They loudly said wtf is that on your head? I tried to hush it up and say its just psoriasis and its flared up and said I didnt want to talk about it. They made it obvious they were staring at it but scrunched up their faces in an eww way. They then kept talking about how "gross" it looked and asking silly things like can I catch it? is it an infection? (Whilst standing back from me in a joking way). I said no and that once again I didnt want to talk about it. But they kept at it and pointing out that some of the crusts had fallen out my hair and it looked like it was snowing on me. All while laughing and joking. Other colleagues then got involved and started preaching to me that their mom/dad/sister/cousin/labrador has dry skin and I NEED to use sudocrem. I told them that im under a dermatologist who is currently trying to shut down my immune system to stop this, and that sudocrem won't help, and as ive already said I dont want to discuss it. They kept at it, now at work im continually hit with questions like have you tried sudocrem yet? what about e45? have you thought about going to the doctors and asking for a steroid cream? have you tried going vegan? Well meaning but so fucking annoying especially as ive already said I down want to talk about it

I already knew it was bad so I dont know why this has hurt me so much but it really stung. I know they were just joking but I wanted to die on the spot and its confirmed what I already knew- that its obvious and fucking ugly. I just want to cry everyday now when I look in the mirror and im embarrassed at work, uni and everyday life now

I've got my graduation ball coming up and I just want to burst into tears thinking about it. I'm hideous, I look so ugly and its definitely noticeable. My friends and I have booked for a hairdresser to come and do our hair but its hit me that no matter what style I go for, it's going to be obvious and I can't hide it. I know I shouldn't have to but people judge and make comments and I just dont want to go anymore. But with covid this graduation ball is just about the only event we have had an Uni and whilst im so scared about going now and I know im going to look hideous, I feel so sad about not going. I've got other events too- birthday party, weddings, holidays with friends- I just feel so down and self conscious for it all now because this has confirmed what I already knew, that its obvious and really bad looking

I know nobody can really help me but does anyone have any advice on how to cope with this or has anyone experiences similar. Thanks x

OP posts:
Nicklebox · 23/04/2023 18:56

My daughter has a friend with this condition and she has been put on a drug called Methotrexate which is working for her, you could ask about trying that.

Deathraystare · 24/04/2023 10:54

This is bloody hateful. You really should complain to management as it is a form of bullying.

Me personally (because it would piss me right off) if management not effective, I would send an email round telling them all that yes I have this and yes I have been getting PROFESSIONAL treatment so all wind your neck in and don't give me your Auntie's ex boyfriend's Mum's old wife tail remedy and how is your making faces at my condition going to clear it? Stop the bullying and BACK OFF!

Treesandsheepeverywhere · 24/04/2023 11:27

Please don't cane your ball and other plans OP. Sounds like herd mentality with your colleagues.
I have a skin condition too and have heardall sorts of unsolicited advice on how to get rid of it. I can't, but I robbed myself of so many years of hiding.
Long sleeves, trousers, long curly hair to hide behind etc. Then I met a bf who made me shed the shame and have been in skirts, dresses, beach for the first time in my late 30's etc.
Don't let them rob you of your job, just ignorant people who wanted to look funny and bond over something.
Maybe speak to your manager about it so everyone knows you don't like to all about it.

Apairofsparklingeyes · 24/04/2023 11:55

I’m so sorry that you are being bullied at work and by friends because of your skin condition. You definitely need to report the behaviour to HR. I’d also suggest getting some information and support from the Psoriasis Association.

Maybe every time someone comments about your skin, you can hand them a sheet of information about psoriasis so they understand your condition. I did this (with a different illness) as I got fed up with comments about being too young to use a walking stick etc.

Unfortunately, you find out who your real friends are when illness or problems happen. Hopefully, some of your friends will be supportive if you talk to them.

Please don’t miss out on your graduation or other social events. You are still the same person you’ve always been and you deserve to celebrate special occasions.

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