Psoriasis Awareness Month Aug 3, 2021 / by Complete Family Dermatology Team

Did you know that August is Psoriasis Awareness Month? According to psoriasis.org, about 8 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis. Even with millions of people living with this disease, many people don’t know what it is. In this blog, we’ll discuss what psoriasis is and everything you need to know about the disease.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes the body to make new skin cells at a rapid rate. Since the growth cycle is sped up, it results in thick, scaly patches on the surface of the skin. These patches are known as plaques. The majority of people who have psoriasis have plaques, which makes plaque psoriasis the most common type of psoriasis. Here are the five types of psoriasis:- Plaque
- Guttate
- Inverse
- Pustular
- Erythrodermic
Where is it Found and What Does it Look Like?
While psoriasis can affect any part of your body, thick red skin and dry patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. The patch can vary in size – sometimes it occurs as one patch or multiple patches that join together. Whether it’s large or small, the plaques tend to be itchy and can become worse without treatment. Everyone has different symptoms, but the itching, stinging, burning, and tightening skin are all common side effects.Who is Affected?
Anyone can develop psoriasis, but it’s mostly seen in adults and is often genetic. Unfortunately, those who have it typically have it for life. The one exception is for children who have guttate psoriasis, which clears up over time. It’s not contagious and you cannot get it from touching someone who has it.How is it Treated?
Since most cases of psoriasis are life-long, it’s important to visit a dermatologist early on to gain some control over the disease. It’s good to know what you can do to have clearer skin and prevent it from worsening. The best ways to subside your psoriasis are: having a skincare routine, living a healthy lifestyle, using medication when necessary, and avoiding your triggers. An outbreak can often be caused by one of these triggers:- Stress
- Cold Weather
- Dry Skin
- Infection
- Medication
- Smoking
- Alcohol