Psoriasis Awareness

 August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. The National Psoriasis Foundation is embarking on a campaign that aims to empowers patients to take control of their health while raising awareness to the 7.5 million Americans that are affected by the disease.

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic disease that affects the immune system. The skin is the area where psoriasis is most noted. Painful, raised, red, itchy patches on the skin can affect both men and women. Psoriasis is not discriminatory affecting both men and women, all ages and races. One can not "catch" psoriasis from another individual whose lesions are not infected. Battles of aches and pains, exhaustion, risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, dealing with stigma attached to the disease are all parts of the daily life of someone with Psoriasis.

Psoriasis Awareness Month was created to help bring awareness and educate the public concerning psoriasis. Psoriasis is chronic , non contagious, genetic autoimmune disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. The skin can crack, itch and bleed. An average of 7.5 million individuals are affected by Psoriasis in the United States.

Psoriatic arthritis develops from Psoriasis. Around 1/3 of those affected by Psoriasis will develop Psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis is inflammatory and causes pain and swelling of the joints along with the tendons. In addition to psoriasis causing a type of arthritis the immune system of those with psoriasis short circuits resulting in the acceleration of growth of skin cells. There is no cure known but a number of treatment options exist.

The Mayo Foundation advises that those with psoriasis symptoms eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains , low fat dairy products and lean meats and fish. Dealing with such an illness can be quite trying that is why the American Academy of Dermatology offers these tips:

• Making informed decisions will be easier if the one with psoriasis has knowledge of treatment options. Be sure to stay informed 
• Living a healthy lifestyle of eating healthy diet, exercise, no smoking and drinking low to no amount of alcohol will help
• Seek advice of a dermatologist if your joints seem stiff and sore. These can be first signs of psoriatic arthritis.
• Take note of your nails make sure they do not easily pul away from the nail bed or develop pitting, ridges or yellow orange color. These are also signs of psoriatic arthritis and a dermatologist should be sought at once. 
• Join a support group for those suffering with psoriasis. The support group or mental health professional should help you stay in a good mood
• Stay in contact with your dermatologist. Inform them if any problem arises, if you can not afford your medicine or any other important issue. 

To sum it all up

shared this post at these blog linkups                        retweet post here
busy monday