Celebrated annually on October 29th, World Psoriasis Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the 125 million individuals living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis worldwide.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells and causes these cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and painful. It is a chronic disease that often comes and goes. The main goal of treatment is to stop the skin cells from growing so quickly.
Currently, there is no cure for psoriasis but the symptoms are manageable with lifestyle changes such as moisturizing, quitting smoking and managing stress.
You should see a doctor if you suspect you have psoriasis. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
- Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Itching, burning or soreness
- Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
- Swollen and stiff joints