August is Psoriasis Awareness Month

Psoriasis is a chronic (continuing) skin condition that causes skin cells to grow too fast. This results in thick, white, or red patches of skin. These can be small or large, and show up on knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, or the lower back. It is most common in adults, but children and teens can have psoriasis.

Preferred Care is committed to helping you and your family lead a healthier life. So what is psoriasis? Normally, skin cells are shed about every 28 days. New skin cells replace outer layers of the skin surface that are shed during normal daily activity. In psoriasis, skin cells do not mature. Instead they move rapidly up to the surface of the skin over 3 to 6 days, forming patches (plaques).

The exact cause is not known. Often it appears to be inherited. However, factors including immune system dysfunction; cold, dry climate; skin injury; stress; infection; and reactions to certain medications can also contribute to the development of psoriasis.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of psoriasis vary widely and appear in different combinations. Psoriasis can be mild, with small areas of rash. When moderate or severe, the skin can be inflamed with raised red areas topped with loose, silvery, scaling skin. If severe, it can become itchy and tender. Large skin patches may be uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Other symptoms may include joint swelling, tenderness, and pain, called psoriatic arthritis. The fingernails and toenails may show pitting, discoloration, separation of the nail from the nail bed, and the buildup of skin debris under the nails. Symptoms may disappear, even without treatment, and then return.

How is psoriasis treated?

Treatment begins with skin care. This includes keeping your skin moist. Basic treatment includes:

• skin products, such as creams, lotions, and shampoos;
• phototherapy, such as ultraviolet light treatments;
• oral medications, such as cyclosporine, an immune system suppressant.

Treatment can help control symptoms, but currently there is no cure for psoriasis.

How will psoriasis affect my lifestyle?

For the most part, people can function normally. Some may experience low self-esteem. Psoriasis can be misunderstood. It can make social contact difficult. This may lead to anxiety, anger, embarrassment and depression. It can also affect the type of work people do, if it is visible.

For more information

• Visit the Psoriasis section of the Preferred Care online Health Encyclopedia, as well as the section about Skin Care for Psoriasis.
• Log on to the National Psoriasis Foundation Web site for answers to frequently-asked questions, treatment and support group information, and much more.

Posted: July 2006