Blog Entry

Psoriasis Awareness Month: Stand Up, Speak Out, Support

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising visibility, understanding, and support for the millions affected by this chronic, often misunderstood condition. 

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a long-term, non-contagious autoimmune skin disease. It accelerates the life cycle of skin cells, leading to red or purple patches, itchy or burning sensations, and silvery scales. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, accounts for about 85–90% of cases.

How Common Is It?

• Over 8 million Americans and approximately 125 million people worldwide live with psoriasis.
• It affects 2–4% of the population in Western countries.
• Up to 30% of those with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis, a potentially debilitating joint condition.

Causes & Triggers

Psoriasis arises from a mix of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, such as:

• Stress Infections (e.g., strep throat)
• Skin injuries (Koebner phenomenon)
• Certain medications
• Cold/dry weather
• Smoking
• Alcohol use

Why Awareness Matters

• Reduces stigma: Many with visible symptoms face social discomfort or misunderstanding.
• Promotes early diagnosis, important to minimize complications and manage symptoms effectively.
• Highlights systemic risks, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and metabolic challenges.

Management & Treatment Options

While there's no cure, many treatments help:

• Topical therapies: Steroids, vitamin D analogs, medicated creams
• Phototherapy: Guided UV light
• Systemic treatments: Biologic therapies targeting immune pathways

Lifestyle Tips to Manage Psoriasis

Dermatologists emphasize that diet and lifestyle choices can significantly influence disease management:

1. Anti-inflammatory diet: Fruits, veggies, whole grains, omega-3s; avoid red meat, alcohol, processed foods
2. Exercise and weight management: Reducing weight may lessen the severity
3. Stress reduction: Meditation, yoga, or therapy can diminish flare-ups
4. Quality sleep: Aids immune balance and skin repair

How to Take Action for Psoriasis

We’re proud to partner with the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) during Psoriasis Awareness Month through October to drive awareness and support. NPF offers valuable patient resources, community initiatives, and research-backed tools, all funded through generous donors.

You can make a difference. Visit this link to contribute and amplify your impact: Support via our NPF fundraiser

If You or Someone You Know Is Struggling…

Schedule an appointment with our team at Clear Choice Dermatology. We’re here to help you navigate psoriasis management, treatment options, and self-care strategies. Appointment bookings: clearchoicederm.com

Sources

• National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis Action Month. psoriasis.org
• Verywell Health. Psoriasis Overview. verywellhealth.com
• Verywell Health. How Common Is Psoriasis? verywellhealth.com
• Verywell Health. Psoriatic Arthritis Statistics. verywellhealth.com
• EatingWell. Diet & Lifestyle Changes After a Psoriasis Diagnosis. eatingwell.com Health.com.
• Psoriasis and Stress. health.com
• Wikipedia. Psoriasis. en.wikipedia.org

Friday August 15, 2025