The support everyone needs to get GPP-Confident

The content presented on this website contains suggestions to help you manage your GPP.

Please discuss with your doctor what is best for you.

How can I support someone with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP)?

If you know someone living with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), there are ways you can help and support them. Reaching out regularly to ask how you can help is a good place to start. Here are a few suggestions:

Living with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: life events and socializing
Check in with them to help them feel less alone
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - It's ok to cancel plans
Tell them it’s OK if they need to cancel plans last minute
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - encourage
Encourage them to get treatment at the first sign of a GPP flare. GPP doesn’t go away by itself and a flare can be potentially life-threatening
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - offer to pick up medicine
Offer to pick up medicine, give them a ride to the doctor, attend appointments with them and take notes or help with other things they might need
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - put your number in the phone
Put your phone number in their phone as an emergency contact
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - treat your favourite meal
Offer to prepare nutritionally balanced meals they can put in their freezer in case a GPP flare means they are unable to cook or shop for groceries
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - feel empowered as a caregiver
Tell them that you are always there for them

You can help them keep a positive attitude and encourage them to partner with their doctor to find ways to manage their GPP. Most importantly, remind them that they are not alone.

Improving communication between you and the person you care for

Good communication with the person you care for who is living with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is important. Here are some tips to improve communication between you both:

Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - avoid yes no questions
Avoid asking questions that will lead to ‘yes or no’ answers. Try to ask more open-ended questions or ask the person you care for to expand their answer
Living with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: life events and socializing
Listen carefully and let each other finish what they want to say before providing feedback
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - take time to pause
Take time to pause. This allows the person to gather their thoughts on how they want to share their feelings

Healthy communication is also important to express when either of you may be feeling overwhelmed.

Taking care of yourself as a caregiver

It can be easy to forget about your own personal health and wellbeing when you are taking care of a loved one or friend with a life-long condition like generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP). You have an important role in providing physical and emotional support, however, this can become overwhelming as your caring responsibilities increase. It is important you take care of yourself, because your wellbeing is a priority too. 

Taking time for yourself also means you can provide the best care for your friend or loved one with GPP. Here are a few things you can do to look after your personal health:

Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - sleep routine
Establish a sleep routine
Living with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: physical activity
Exercise regularly
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - drink water
Drink plenty of water
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - healthy diet
Eat a healthy diet
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - take time to pause
Take regular breaks
Living with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: physical activity
Practice meditation or exercise to help you relax
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - regular health check ups
Make time for regular health check-ups

In addition to your personal health, you need to give yourself time for things that bring you joy and allow you to take a break from caregiving:

Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - make time for your hobbies
Make time for your hobbies and interests
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - listen to music
Listen to music
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - take a walk
Take a walk
Living with Generalized Pustular Psoriasis:  spend time with loved ones
Spend quality time with 
friends or family
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - treat your favourite meal
Treat yourself to your 
favorite meal or even a bath

However you practice self-care, it is important you have people who can support you.

Finding support

Getting support for yourself

Support groups are a valuable way to gain practical and emotional support from the experiences of other caregivers. These groups are made up of people who understand what you are going through or have gone through similar experiences. They provide an opportunity for people to share personal experiences, emotions and coping strategies. Here are a few benefits of caregiver support groups:

Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - open and honest conversations
Open and honest conversations
tracking symptoms of GPP: depression
Help to reduce feelings of anxiety or depression around caregiving
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - improve skills
Improve skills to cope with challenges
Generalized pustular psoriasis - Caregiver support - feel empowered as a caregiver
Feel empowered as a caregiver

Consider in-person or online groups in your local area so you can find support that suits you.

You might also benefit from information available from generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) patient associations.

Support groups can also be beneficial to the person with GPP that you care for. By joining a patient support group, they can connect with other people with GPP and share their experiences, coping strategies and feelings.

Authentically caregiving series

Looking after people who have a rare, life-long condition like generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) can be challenging. This video series has been developed so you can hear first-hand from caregivers who understand what you are going through. Get useful hints and tips to help you look after yourself and the people you care for.

Acknowledging the role of caregivers

Explore the responsibilities caregivers face.

Finding your inner strength as a caregiver

Explore the responsibilities caregivers face.