Psoriasis Awareness: Psoriasis.org · Academy of Dermatology · Psoriatic Arthritis
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The National Psoriasis Foundation, NPF, wants people living with psoriasis to take control of their disease and understand that things can change — from personal disease symptoms to the number of psoriasis treatments available. With today’s options, treating psoriasis to achieve clear skin and optimal health is more possible now than ever before — and the results can be life-changing.
Living with psoriatic disease not only means experiencing burning, itching, and cracked skin, it also puts people at a greater risk of developing related health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, depression, obesity, diabetes. The optimal way to manage psoriatic disease is to work with a health care provider to find a treatment(s) that reduces or eliminates symptoms. Research has yielded new and various treatments – patients are encouraged to find the regimen that works for them.
Effecting nearly 8 million Americans, psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated disease that most often appears on the skin as painful, raised, red, itchy patches. Men and women develop psoriasis at equal rates, and the disease occurs in all racial groups, however at varying rates.
Psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something one can “catch” from another person, as psoriasis lesions are not infectious
If you believe you may have psoriasis, consult your health care provider and a dermatologist for a formal diagnosis and get started on a treatment plan. To answer questions, or for help finding a specialist in your area, contact the Foundation’s Patient Navigation Center at psoriasis.org/NavigationCenter.
For people living with psoriasis, it is critical to treat their disease appropriately in order to achieve good overall health. Regardless of the type of treatment (phototherapy, topical treatments, systemic drugs or biologics), patients who appropriately manage their disease report a higher quality of life, less absenteeism at work and are more productive.