August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, so we like to take a moment to focus on this condition and help people understand it. Whether you have the condition, or know someone who does, understanding psoriasis can help you diminish stigmas often associated with the disease.
Psoriasis is a skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. The immune response causes a rapid increase in skin cell production. This creates areas of raised, inflamed, scaly patches of skin. This condition impacts millions of men and women of all ages.
People diagnosed with psoriasis often report symptoms of itching, pain, burning, and stinging. But it’s more than a skin-deep condition. It’s also linked to serious health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, psoriatic arthritis, and depression.
An overlooked symptom of psoriasis is negative impact that stigmas associated with the disease can cause. Many people who do not understand psoriasis fear it. It’s a misconception that the disease is contagious or caused by unsanitary conditions. Psoriasis cannot be spread through food, drinks, pools, or saunas. Poor hygiene practices do not lead to this condition. These stigmas have a significant impact on people diagnosed with the skin condition.
While psoriasis impacts people of every color, there can be barriers for people of color to receive accurate diagnosis and treatment. Psoriasis can look different on darker skin, plaques may be thicker, and larger areas of skin may be affected than patients with lighter skin tones. It’s important to see a board-certified psoriasis specialist to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you are living with psoriasis, it’s important to ensure you are receiving proper treatment and taking care of your mental health as well. If you have not been diagnoses, but have symptoms of psoriasis, you should speak to a medical professional about your condition.
Cronin Dermatology specializes in skin cancer treatment, lasers, cosmetic procedures, acne treatment, and anti-aging treatments. Contact us today for a one-on-one consultation!
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