Psoriasis Awareness

More than 7 million Americans suffer from psoriasis — a chronic skin condition caused by faulty signals in the immune system. Psoriasis usually causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery-white scales on any part of the body and develops most often in men and women between the ages of 15 and 25. Psoriatic arthritis, which occurs in 10–30 percent of people afflicted with psoriasis, develops between the ages of 30 and 50, causing joint pain and inflammation.

Although these conditions are not life-threatening, many studies indicate that they have a greater impact on a woman’s quality of life than a man’s. “Women are often judged on [their] looks and dress,” says Liz Horn, Ph.D., director of research at the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) in Portland, OR, “and because it is a visible condition, that means wearing long sleeves in summer and other methods of covering up that make women [feel] self-conscious.” The disease’s visibility is not necessarily the root of the problem, however; rather, the myths surrounding the disease carry with them stigmas that can make each day a challenge to psoriasis sufferers.

Dispelling the myths One of the most damaging myths is that psoriasis is easily contracted when in fact it’s not contagious. No one knows exactly what causes psoriasis, but researchers agree there is likely a genetic component. It’s equally common for both men and women of all ages, and afflicts about 2–3 percent of the population. Most people with the condition experience flare-ups throughout life.

Treatment is a choice Some people elect to go without treatment, and find that their condition is improved by simply accepting their appearance, while others find temporary relief in treatments that help reduce the visible effects of the condition, along with inflammation and itching. Topical treatments for localized areas and systemic medications can work for more severe psoriasis sufferers. Visit psoriasis.org for a guide to treatments.

Ways to make it less noticeable While many folks choose to cover their lesions and camouflage redness with clothing, some cosmetic coverup products can help. There are a variety of dermatologist- and cosmetic surgeon-recommended concealers, such as Dermablend, that psoriasis sufferers use, but for some, makeup can irritate their skin. Click here for other suggested techniques listed on psoriasis.org.

What you can do Aside from the physical problems associated with psoriasis, the emotional aspect can be even more damaging, and patients often experience discrimination and stigma. Recent NPF surveys found that nearly 30 percent of patients reported difficulty receiving service at a hair salon. One-fifth of respondents experienced discrimination while trying to use a public pool, while 15 percent had trouble accessing facilities at a gym or health club. To locate NPF-sponsored walks for psoriasis awareness or NPF advocacy opportunities, click here. For a searchable support-group directory, click here.

Tags: chronic skin condition, cosmetic coverup products, director of research, disease, Health/Medical/Pharmaceuticals, inflammation, itching, joint pain, Liz Horn, Medicine, National Psoriasis Foundation, Oregon, Portland, Psoriasis, Psoriatic arthritis, Psoriatic nails, severe psoriasis, signals