August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, which makes this the perfect time to raise awareness and dispel myths about the disease.
Psoriasis is one of the most persistent skin disorders, typically occurring on the knees, elbows, and scalp. Those who live with psoriasis experience itchiness, burning sensations, and stinging rashes.
The exact cause of psoriasis is still largely unknown; however, scientists have found links between the immune system and genetics. When it is triggered, psoriasis will flare and the skin cells will grow at an alarmingly fast rate, causing lesions to develop.
In most cases, the skin disorder usually develops in individuals between ages 15 and 35 and is seen across all racial groups.
There are varying degrees of psoriasis and it ranges from mild to moderate to severe. A patient’s course of treatment will depend on how much of the body is covered by rashes and lesions.
Mild psoriasis usually covers less than 3% of the body, while moderate psoriasis can be found on up to 10% of the skin. Severe psoriasis is when the disease is found in more than 10% of the body. Psoriasis can also be found to be severe when it affects people’s hands and feet. If you have this disorder on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, it can seriously impact how you go about your daily activities and can be extremely debilitating.
At first, psoriasis can be difficult to diagnose because many people assume they have a run of the mill rash. However, if you continue to see red, irritated skin after using over-the-counter medication, you should contact your doctor.