August is Psoriasis Action Month
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition affecting 125 million people worldwide, or 2 to 3% of the world's population. It causes red, scaly patches on your skin that typically itch or burn. While it can be embarrassing and painful, it is also treatable.
Psoriasis is treatable; however, disseminating vital information on all aspects of the disease is necessary. This is why Psoriasis Awareness Month is celebrated throughout August of each year. The first Psoriasis Awareness Month was observed in October 1997 as a full-scale national awareness campaign, publicizing relevant facts about psoriasis through newspapers, radio, and television. It aims to educate the public about psoriasis and enlighten patients about causes, triggers, and treatment methods. It aims to inform patients about their condition and provide them with resources to help them manage their condition more effectively.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease (a disease with an unclear cause that is characterized by inflammation caused by dysfunction of the immune system) that causes inflammation in the body. There may be visible signs of the inflammation, such as raised plaques (plaques may look different for different skin types) and scales on the skin.
This occurs because the overactive immune system speeds up skin cell growth. Normal skin cells completely grow and shed (fall off) in a month. With psoriasis, skin cells do this in only three or four days. Instead of shedding, the skin cells pile up on the skin's surface. Some people report that psoriasis plaques itch, burn, and sting. Plaques and scales may appear on any body part, although they are commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Inflammation caused by psoriasis can impact other organs and tissues in the body. People with psoriasis may also experience other health conditions. One in three people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis. Signs of PsA include swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints and areas surrounding the joints. PsA often goes undiagnosed, particularly in its milder forms. However, it’s important to treat PsA early on to help avoid permanent joint damage.
Symptoms often start between ages 15 and 25 but can begin at any age. Men, women, and children of all skin colors can get psoriasis.
How is Psoriasis Diagnosed and Treated?
Psoriasis often has a typical appearance that a primary care doctor can recognize. Still, it can be confused with other skin diseases (like eczema), so a dermatologist (skin doctor) is often the best to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is (e.g., having many or painful skin patches), or the location (especially the face). Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs (such as methotrexate). Many people with psoriasis also have serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Some people with psoriasis also have an inflammatory condition that affects their joints, called psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis has many of the same symptoms as other types of arthritis, so a rheumatologist (arthritis doctor) is often the best doctor to diagnose it. Treating psoriatic arthritis usually involves using drugs (such as methotrexate).
Psoriatic disease (when a person has psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis) may be treated with drugs (such as methotrexate) or a combination of drugs, creams, or ointments.
What Causes or Triggers Psoriasis?
While scientists do not know what causes psoriasis, we know that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. One thing we do know: psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch psoriasis from another person. Usually, something triggers psoriasis, causing symptoms to appear or worsen. Triggers vary from person to person.
As with other chronic diseases, psoriasis may affect areas of your life other than your physical health. Psoriasis may affect your emotional health, your relationships, and how you handle stress. It could even affect areas of your life that you wouldn’t expect, such as the clothes you choose to wear. For some people, living with psoriasis can be a challenge. However, there are ways to handle those challenges so you can thrive with psoriasis.
Observing Psoriasis Awareness Month?
Donate
There are many psoriasis-centered organizations worldwide, and each has a different mission. Although some are considerably larger than others, their missions are all aimed at helping people with this debilitating condition live normal lives.
End Misinformation
Psoriasis is a common, chronic autoimmune disease that affects more than 7.5 million people in the United States alone. People living with psoriasis are often misinformed and face many debilitating myths that they have never been told. Join us in the movement to put an end to misinformation on psoriasis by supporting ongoing research programs that aim to educate patients and clinicians alike about the condition.
Create Awareness
Psoriasis can be a chronic and sometimes debilitating disease. Help others learn about this condition by spreading awareness.
Sources:
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/