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Many people are unaware of what psoriasis is, leading to a lack of research and common misdiagnosis. Psoriasis Awareness Month sheds light on the condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with 2 in 100 people in the UK suffering from this skin condition.
In this guide, we delve into psoriasis and how you can get involved this Psoriasis Awareness Month to support those living with it and promote research for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Psoriasis Awareness Month occurs in August every year. This dedicated month serves multiple important purposes. It aims to educate people on the symptoms of psoriasis and dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition. The month also focuses on supporting those living with the skin condition, providing resources and support.
Additionally, it serves as a platform for advocating for better treatments, increased research funding, and improved healthcare policies for those affected by psoriasis. Perhaps most importantly, Psoriasis Awareness Month strives to unite affected individuals, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Through these various efforts, the month helps raise public awareness about psoriasis and improve the lives of those with the condition.
Psoriasis is more than a skin condition; it is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects approximately 2% of the UK population. Despite its prevalence, many people are still unaware of what psoriasis is or how it impacts those who live with it.
At its core, psoriasis is a result of an overactive immune system. The immune system of people with psoriasis mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating skin cell production. Typically, it takes 3-4 weeks for new skin cells to form and replace old ones. However, in people with psoriasis, this process only takes 3-7 days, leading to a build-up of skin cells that creates the characteristic patches associated with psoriasis.
It must be noted psoriasis is not contagious. This means you cannot “catch” psoriasis from someone who has it, and it cannot be spread from one person to another. This is a common misconception about psoriasis, which can lead to a stigma against those who have psoriasis.
The symptoms of psoriasis can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition. However, the most common symptoms to look out for are:
These symptoms most commonly appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but they can also occur anywhere on the body.
Many types of psoriasis may display different symptoms. For example, scalp psoriasis will cause patches of skin covered in thick scales on the scalp. In contrast, nail psoriasis will display symptoms of tiny dents on the nails that may become discoloured or grow abnormally.
If you have symptoms of psoriasis, you should consult a healthcare professional such as your GP or a dermatologist. They can then determine a diagnosis. Most of the time, they will be able to diagnose psoriasis based on the appearance of your skin.
If your doctor cannot determine a diagnosis, you may be referred to a dermatologist. In some rare cases, a small skin sample may be needed for a biopsy.
There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are a range of treatments that can help relieve the symptoms and improve the quality of life for some. Treatment plans can be tailored to individuals by taking into account the severity of the condition and the areas affected.
Some common treatments include:
Topical Treatment: The first treatment prescribed by many doctors are topical treatments such as Vitamin D analogues or Topical Corticosteroids. These are creams and ointments that can be applied to the skin.
Phototherapy: If these topical treatments don’t work, phototherapy may be used instead. This involves exposing the skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light.
Systemic Medications: For more severe cases, oral or injected medications may be prescribed.
Lifestyle Changes: As with most conditions, doctors normally advise a change in your lifestyle. This can include stress management, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding possible triggers, and keeping the skin hydrated.
Check out our guide to Treating Psoriasis at Home for some home remedies.
To do your part this Psoriasis Awareness Month, you could:
Educate Yourself and Others: If you’re reading this guide, you’ve already started! Now, you can share your knowledge of psoriasis with friends and family to educate them and raise awareness.
Share Your Story: If you live with psoriasis, consider sharing your experiences. Although this is not for everyone, personal stories can help others understand the impact of psoriasis and show those living with psoriasis that they are not alone.
Participate in Events: Charities often host events, such as walks and runs during Psoriasis Awareness Month. Why not take part in one of these events to show your support?
Donate or Fundraise: You could consider donating to a psoriasis research organisation or charity, or you can even host your own fundraising event!
By understanding psoriasis, supporting those who live with it, and actively participating in awareness efforts, we can work towards a world where psoriasis is better understood, more effectively treated, and eventually cured. Get involved this year and help shine a light on psoriasis!
At Home Health, we pride ourselves on putting health first. That’s why we have a range of health guides to ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest health information so you can take control of your own health.
Psoriasis Awareness Month is held in August every year. This annual event provides a dedicated time to raise awareness, educate the public, and support those living with psoriasis. Events are held throughout the month to encourage people to show their support and raise money for research into psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes rapid overproduction of skin cells, resulting in scaly, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. It’s not contagious and can affect people of all ages, often appearing on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
Psoriasis is primarily caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells. This leads to rapid cell reproduction, which can cause skin inflammation. The exact trigger of psoriasis is unknown, but genetic factors, stress, certain medications, and environmental conditions can contribute to its development.
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