Inflammatory skin disorders and self-esteem

"I think you have ringworm. We can't accept a donation from you." The entire room went silent as everyone stared at Jennifer, age 34, who has suffered from severe plaque psoriasis since the age of 15 years and is now a patient advocate for the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF). Jennifer was inspired to donate blood after her uncle received a lifesaving transfusion and hoped to help others like him, but she will likely never try again after this traumatizing experience. This was not the first time strangers had treated her as if she had a contagious skin infection.