August is Psoriasis Awareness Month and Legacy Medical Sales wants to recognize all those who suffer from this autoimmune condition. Knowing the basic facts for those who are newly diagnosed, have suffered for years, or know someone with psoriasis is important. We will discuss the symptoms and diagnosis as well as the various treatment options available.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. The prevalence of scalp psoriasis affects 45–56% of psoriatic patients. Psoriasis is a common, long-term chronic disease with no cure. It can be painful, interfere with sleep, and make it hard to concentrate. The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while. Common triggers in people with a genetic predisposition to psoriasis include stress, infections, cuts or burns, and certain medications. An estimated 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.
Who gets Psoriasis?
Psoriasis can appear at any age, but often has two peaks of onset. The first between the 20 – 30 years of age and the second between 50 – 60 years of age.
About one out of three people with psoriasis report having a relative with psoriasis.
If one parent has psoriasis, a child has about a 10 percent chance of having psoriasis. Men and women get it at about the same rate. This indiscriminate skin condition affects many celebrities as well such as Kim Kardashian, Cyndi Lauper, and LeAnn Rimes.
The National Psoriasis Foundation defines mild psoriasis as affecting less than 3 percent of the body; 3 percent to 10 percent is considered moderate; more than 10 percent is considered severe. For most individuals, your hand is about the same as 1 percent of the skin surface.
According to current studies, more than 8 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis, and 125 million people worldwide—2 to 3 percent of the total population—have psoriasis, according to the World Psoriasis Day consortium.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose psoriasis, a dermatologist will examine your skin, nails, and scalp for signs of this condition. Your dermatologist will also ask if you have any symptoms, such as itchy skin, or joint problems, such as pain and swelling or stiffness when you wake up.
What treatments are available?
Psoriasis treatments aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly and to remove scales. Options include creams and ointments (topical therapy), light therapy (phototherapy), and oral or injected medications. Shop our topical psoriasis treatment options here: legacymedicalsales.com/product/sunmarka-hydrocortisone-itch-relief-1-oz
- Corticosteroids- These drugs are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating mild to moderate psoriasis. They are available as oils, ointments, creams, lotions, gels, foams, sprays, and shampoos. (Shop here: https://legacymedicalsales.com/product/itch-relief-cortisone-1-oz-tube/)
- Vitamin D
- Retinoids
- Calcineurin inhibitors
- Salicylic acid (Shop here: https://legacymedicalsales.com/product/dandruff-shampoo-sebex-4-oz/)
- Coal tar (Shop here: https://legacymedicalsales.com/product/dandruff-shampoo-neutrogena-8-5-oz/)
- Anthralin
- Light therapy is a first-line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis, either alone or in combination with medications. It involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light. Repeated treatments are necessary.
- If you have moderate to severe psoriasis, or if other treatments haven’t worked, your health care provider may prescribe oral or injected (systemic) drugs. Some of these drugs are used for only brief periods and might be alternated with other treatments because they have the potential for severe side effects.
Psoriasis is associated with a variety of psychosocial symptoms, including feelings of guilt, shame, embarrassment, or helplessness. Poor self-esteem and low self-worth, sometimes lead to social isolation. Patients with psoriasis show an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. If you need help or more information about psoriasis please visit https://www.psoriasis.org.