August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month
National Psoriasis Awareness Month: Did you know people with psoriasis can also develop arthritis?
Psoriasis isn’t contagious, but helping create awareness about the illness can be. Each August, the National Psoriasis Foundation sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging research, educating the public, advocating for better care for people with psoriasis, and dispelling myths about the disease. Awareness is created through a number of health events and walks in which all are welcome to join.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic, noncontagious, genetic autoimmune disease that appears on the skin in red, scaly patches that itch, crack and bleed. It’s the most common autoimmune disease in the country, and it affects approximately 7.5 million Americans.
Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory type of arthritis that causes pain and swelling of the joints and tendons. People with mild psoriasis are just as likely to develop psoriatic arthritis as those with moderate to severe psoriasis.
What causes psoriasis?
Genetics and the immune system play a major role in the disease. In people with psoriasis, the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth of skin cells.
To develop psoriasis, a person must have a combination of the genes that cause psoriasis and be exposed to external triggers. Triggers include stress, injury to the skin (such as a tattoo or a scrape), smoking, and certain infections.
There is no cure for psoriasis, but many treatment options are available. Treatment is individualized for each person and depends on the severity of the disease, the type of psoriasis and how the person reacts to certain treatments.
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
Psoriasis takes an emotional, physical toll
Despite its prevalence, psoriasis is widely misunderstood. People with psoriasis often face discrimination because others incorrectly fear it is contagious. Studies show that people with psoriasis report higher levels of anxiety, embarrassment, and depression. In a National Psoriasis Foundation study, more than half the respondents said psoriasis impacts with their ability to enjoy life.
In addition to the psychological and social impact of psoriasis, psoriasis increases risk for other serious health conditions. These include heart disease, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, hypertension, obesity and depression. National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board urges people with psoriasis to work with their doctors to watch for the potential onset of any health issues related to psoriasis.
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BLOG Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Writer: Ryan Allen