If I Were to Design a Psoriatic Arthritis Fashion Doll

I don’t know about you, but my heart goes pitter patter every time I see a doll manufacturer include someone with a disability.

A few years ago American Girl began selling a diabetes care kit for their dolls! You can also equip your doll with accessories such as crutches, wheelchairs, service dogs, and allergy-free lunch packs complete with a miniature EpiPen.

As I was reading an article detailing how this company and others were going the extra length to include disabilities, I began thinking about how a doll with psoriatic arthritis might look.

Appearance

My PsA doll would have matted hair. Unlike the Barbie dolls of my childhood that had beautiful hair until I neglected to brush them, my PsA doll would start out with a matted mess. Why? Because, until I found a pain management plan that made it possible to address my hair on a daily basis, it was a rat’s nest! It takes time and energy to look good when you suffer from chronic pain.

She would have dark circles under her eyes from lack of sleep. Her hands and feet would have disfigured joints. Psoriasis would be placed on various parts of her body. With no warning, her rash will spread, flake, or disappear. Her finger and toenails would be thick and full of ridges and her face and body would randomly bloat.

Accessories

My doll would come with a variety of mobility aids. She would have a cane for balance, a rollator for balance plus a place to sit when the pain in her back becomes more than she can tolerate, and a wheelchair for when she is unable to walk. Other accessories would include icepacks, heating pads, an array of pain relief products, and a journal because mental health is important too!

Attire

High heels? Go-Go boots? Not for this doll! This one would come with Crocs in multiple colors, flip flops, slippers, and Velcro or slip-on sneakers. Her clothing would be loose and comfortable to avoid triggering or aggravating her psoriasis. Most of her wardrobe would consist of pajamas and loungewear because she won’t be hanging out with her friends as much as Barbie does with hers. To deal with her matted hair she would also have many hats to hide the mess.

Special touches

There are a few extra special touches that I would add to the design of my doll to make it resemble what life with psoriatic arthritis is really like. One would be a voice activation button. There would be times when she speaks well, and others when she stumbles over her words or completely butchers them.

Another special touch would include her eyes not always opening when you wanted them to. If we’re going to be real, we might as well include fatigue that interferes with our plans.

How would your PsA doll look like?

Would you include the same features that I have?

What would you add to make it better represent the impact that psoriatic arthritis has on your life?