July 8th, 2018
It’s no secret that there are a wide variety of skin conditions which can have a serious impact on your confidence and well-being. One of those conditions is psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes itchy, dry, and flaky red skin.
At Pinehurst Dermatology we know how important it is to be informed about your skin health, which is why today we’re sharing five things you need to know about Psoriasis with you.
1. There are many different kinds of Psoriasis
The most standard form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which manifests as raised, red patches of skin irritation. However, psoriatic arthritis, which consists of symptoms like swollen, irritated joints and irritated skin along joints, also exists.
2. Psoriasis Isn’t contagious
One piece of good news about psoriasis is that you can’t “catch” it from someone else who has it. Even if psoriasis might look or seem contagious, don’t be afraid to shake hands, hug, or interact with psoriasis-stricken friends and colleagues.
3. There are a lot of different triggers for psoriasis
Psoriasis can be triggered by everything from infections to smoking, drinking alcohol, and even sunlight. This makes it crucially important that you recognize your personal triggers and take steps to avoid or minimize them. It’s also important to recognize that the majority of the triggers are aggravated in the dryer and colder winter weather.
4. Most people have mild cases
The vast majority of people with psoriasis, around 80% of all cases, have a form of the disease which is very mild. Only about 20% of people with psoriasis have severe cases, characterized by having over 5% of the skin’s surface covered.
5. There are many ways to manage the condition
Even though there’s no cure for psoriasis, there are ways to both treat flare-ups when they occur and also make sure they happen as infrequently as possible. Topical creams, special shampoos, prescription retinoids, as well as other treatments such as light therapy and natural remedies like aloe vera and cayenne, are all possible ways to help treat psoriasis. With all these options available, it’s very possible to make the disease go into remission for weeks, months, or even years at a time.
Like any other skin condition, it’s important to consult with a doctor in order to make sure you’re handling your psoriasis as well as possible. Pinehurst Dermatology understands how important knowing your unique set of conditions is to keep your skin healthy. We’re happy to help you more deeply understand psoriasis and help you figure out what treatment works best for you. Call today to book your psoriasis consultation.
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