Yes, Don's right. The condition is also sometimes called psoriatic arthritis, and it's like an outward manifestation of arthritis. It sounds like your friend "lives with it" the same as she lives with being obese and lives with anesthetizing her pain through drink. Sometimes when our self-esteem is in the gutter it's easier to do that than to haul ourselves up and make positive changes.(Been there.) The drinking and excess weight also places stress on her body that can exacerbate the psoriasis.

You are absolutely right to insist that she respect you and your space and that she seek medical attention . Yes, it's a vexing condition, but new treatments are being found. My best to both of you. Sharon