August is Psoriasis Action Month
Every year, throughout the month of August, we observe Psoriasis Action Month. This special period is dedicated to raising public awareness about psoriasis and providing valuable insights to patients on various aspects, including causes, triggers, and treatment methods. The origins of this awareness campaign trace back to October 1997 when it was first established as a comprehensive national initiative, spreading crucial information about psoriasis through newspapers, radio, and television.
While we are fortunate that psoriasis is treatable, it remains essential to disseminate vital information about all facets of this condition. Psoriasis Action Month strives to fulfill this purpose, ensuring that patients and the general public are well-informed and equipped with the knowledge to manage and understand the disease effectively. Through education and awareness, we aim to create a supportive environment for those affected by psoriasis, fostering empathy and empowerment on their journey to improved health and well-being.
This month serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward greater understanding, compassion, and empowerment for those living with psoriasis.
History of Psoriasis Action Month
This observance started as National Psoriasis Awareness Month, which began in 1997 as an initiative of the National Psoriasis Foundation (N.P.F.). It was initially observed in October but was later moved to August because there were already numerous awareness days in October. Another important reason for the change was that August is a time of year that allows for activities, such as swimming and sunbathing, which expose the skin. Moreover, the sun has a positive effect on psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a condition characterized by scaly, red, and raised patches on the skin, especially on the elbows, knees, and scalp; however, it could also affect other areas in the body. Psoriasis often causes itching, burning, and stinging in affected areas. Though its etiology is unclear to medical experts, psoriasis occurs when the life cycle of skin cells increases, causing a buildup of excess skin cells that form red patches and scales. Scientists believe that genetics and the immune system are contributory factors to the development of psoriasis.
Psoriasis affects people differently, with varying levels of severity. For severe cases, 10% or more of the patient’s skin may be affected by the disease. In mild cases, less than 3% is affected by psoriasis; however, psoriasis affects between 3% to 10% of the skin in moderate cases. Because psoriasis is often cyclical, particular triggers, such as infections, skin injuries, heavy alcohol consumption, vitamin D deficiency, stress, emotional trauma, certain medications, and smoking, may lead to an episode. Thankfully, psoriasis has various treatment options — creams and ointments can clear skin patches in mild-to-moderate cases. Light therapy, including U.V.B. phototherapy, Goeckerman therapy, and psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA), can also be employed. For severe psoriasis, retinoids, methotrexate, and cyclosporine are the drugs of choice.
Psoriasis Unveiled: Shedding Light on a Complex Condition
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide, regardless of age or gender. It presents itself as red, scaly patches on the skin's surface, but its impact reaches far beyond the visible symptoms. This chronic condition can significantly impact a person's physical and emotional well-being, leading to challenges that extend into their daily lives. According to CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), an intermittent source of national psoriasis data, it is estimated that 7.4 million American adults had psoriasis in 2013.
What are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis causes patches of thick red skin and silvery scales. Patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet, but can affect other places (fingernails, toenails, and mouth). The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that eventually occurs in 10% to 20% of people with psoriasis. It is different from more common types of arthritis (such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) and is thought to be related to the underlying problem of psoriasis. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are sometimes considered together as psoriatic disease.
How is Psoriasis Diagnosed and Treated?
Psoriasis often has a typical appearance that a primary care doctor can recognize, but it can be confused with other skin diseases (like eczema), so a dermatologist (skin doctor) is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriasis usually depends on how much skin is affected, how bad the disease is (e.g., having many or painful skin patches), or the location (especially the face). Treatments range from creams and ointments applied to the affected areas to ultraviolet light therapy to drugs (such as methotrexate). Many people who have psoriasis also have serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression. Some people with psoriasis also have an inflammatory condition which affects their joints, called psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis has many of the same symptoms as other types of arthritis, so a rheumatologist (arthritis doctor) is often the best doctor to diagnose it. The treatment of psoriatic arthritis usually involves the use of drugs (such as methotrexate).
Psoriatic disease (when a person has psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis) may be treated with drugs (such as methotrexate) or a combination of drugs and creams or ointments.
Who are at risk for Psoriasis?
Anyone can get psoriasis. It occurs mostly in adults, but children can also get it. Men and women seem to have equal risk.
Can I get psoriasis from someone who has it?
Psoriasis is not contagious. This means you cannot get psoriasis from contact (e.g., touching skin patches) with someone who has it.
What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that part of the body’s own immune system becomes overactive and attacks normal tissues in the body.
Raising Awareness and Fostering Support
Psoriasis Action Month is a crucial time for us to unite as a community and foster greater awareness about this often-misunderstood condition. It is essential to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding psoriasis, replacing them with knowledge and understanding. By educating ourselves and others, we can create a more empathetic and supportive environment for those living with psoriasis.
Throughout this month, we aim to:
Educate
We will share valuable information about psoriasis, including its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options. Knowledge is power, and by being well-informed, we can better support those affected by psoriasis.
Advocate
Psoriasis Action Month is an opportunity to advocate for increased research, funding, and improved access to healthcare resources for individuals with psoriasis. Together, we can raise our voices and call for positive change.
Empower
At the heart of Psoriasis Action Month lies the empowerment of patients. We encourage individuals living with psoriasis to take charge of their health and well-being. We support them in seeking the care they deserve and making informed decisions about their treatment journey.
Share Stories
Personal stories have the power to inspire, uplift, and connect us on a profound level. Throughout this month, we will share stories of individuals living with psoriasis, highlighting their resilience, triumphs, and journeys to inspire others facing similar challenges.
Sotera Digital Health is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by psoriasis. As a wireless vital sign monitor manufacturer, we believe in the power of technology to support patients and healthcare professionals alike. By providing cutting-edge monitoring solutions, we contribute to better patient outcomes and support psoriasis patients on their path to wellness.
Psoriasis Action Month is a call to action for everyone—patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and the broader community. Here's how you can participate:
Spread Awareness
Share information about psoriasis on social media, using #PsoriasisActionMonth to amplify our collective voice.
Support Patient Organizations
Engage with patient support groups and advocacy organizations that focus on psoriasis. Your involvement can make a meaningful impact.
Listen and Learn
Take the time to listen to the experiences of individuals living with psoriasis. Understanding their challenges and triumphs can foster empathy and compassion.
Support Research
Contribute to psoriasis research efforts by supporting organizations dedicated to finding better treatments and ultimately a cure.
Together, we can create a world where psoriasis patients are understood, supported, and empowered.
Let's make this Psoriasis Action Month one of positive change, knowledge, and solidarity. Together, we will build a future where individuals living with psoriasis can thrive, free from stigma and with enhanced access to the care they deserve.