August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month

Psoriasis Awareness Month– A time for creating awareness and understanding

Each August, the National Psoriasis Foundation sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month to raise awareness, encourage research, and advocate for better care for people with psoriasis. Awareness is created through a number of health events and walks in which all are welcome to join in.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. This results in painful red, scaly patches on the body that bleed and itch. Plaque psoriasis can occur at any age and on any part of the body. Some cases are worse than others. It is often mistaken for other skin diseases, such as eczema or dermatitis. It’s a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It is caused partly by an overactive immune system.

Facts about Psoriasis

• Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S. It affects as many as 7.5 million Americans
• Psoriasis is not contagious
• Psoriasis frequently occurs with a range of other health concerns including diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and depression
• Psoriasis impacts the emotions. Nearly 70% of people with psoriasis say their disease makes them feel self-conscious, embarrassed and helpless
• Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints
• There currently is no cure for psoriasis

Who knows more about psoriasis than the people who have it?

You're the subject and the scientist. If you suffer from psoriasis the National Psoriasis Foundation is inviting you to ask and answer questions about psoriasis. As part of Psoriasis Awareness Month, they are creating a community of Citizen Pscientists. It's easy to participate, all you need is a healthy dose of curiosity and a desire to impact psoriasis research. Visit services.psoriasis.org/citizen-pscientist to get started.

While there may not be a cure for psoriasis, the good news is that there is a wide range of psoriasis treatments available to help manage the condition.

After receiving a psoriasis diagnosis, the person with the condition and their doctor will discuss treatment options. The type of psoriasis medication prescribed by the doctor will depend on the type and severity of the psoriasis.

No two cases of psoriasis are the same, so it’s important to work with your dermatologist to develop a psoriasis treatment plan that’s right.

To learn more about psoriasis, visit the website of the National Psoriasis Foundation.

To find senior housing and care in your area, visit AlternativesforSeniors.com or call (888) WE-ASSIST for free personalized help.

 

Blog Date: August 20 , 2013

Writer: Ryan Allen