INFOGRAPHICPSORIASIS

Psoriasis 101

November 07, 2022
PSORIASIS STATS 125 million people worldwide are affected by psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. That’s 2% to 3% of the population. WHY DO I HAVE PSORIASIS? Psoriasis is an Brush up on the basics of this immune-mediated disease. The body’s white blood cells incorrectly attack skin cells the way they’re meant to attack harmful bacteria and viruses. This causes the body to create new skin cells so rapidly the body can’t shed dead cells, leading to patches and scaling. Psoriasis can be hereditary. Doctors believe more than one gene is responsible for making a person more susceptible to the disease. In the U.S., psoriasis affects: 3.6% of white Americans 1.9% of Black Americans 1.6% of Hispanic Americans 1.4% of Americans of other races MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS • Skin scaling • Itching • Red patches • Fatigue • Swelling • Burning • Bleeding PSORIASIS IS NOT CONTAGIOUS You can’t get psoriasis from touching, being near or having sex with someone who has it. 5 COMMON TYPES There are different types of psoriasis: Plaque Psoriasis This is the most common type. Raised, itchy or painful skin patches can appear anywhere on the body. Inverse Psoriasis Red, inflamed, smooth skin shows up in body folds and creases, such as underarms and groin. Guttate Psoriasis Small, raised, scaly red bumps appear anywhere on the body, most commonly on the torso, arms and legs. Pustular Psoriasis White blisters filled with noninfectious pus cover the body or crop up in certain areas such as the hands and feet. Erythrodermic Psoriasis Intense redness and shedding of skin are telltale signs of this type, which can affect the entire body and can be life-threatening. It can cause severe itching, pain, changes in heart rate and dehydration. See a doctor immediately if you think you’re having this kind of flare-up. OUTBREAKS CAN BE TRIGGERED Psoriasis symptoms come and go. When they appear, it’s called a flare-up. Flare-ups may be brought on by certain triggers. Common triggers include: • Changes in weather • Stress and life changes • Sleep disturbances • Dry air • Skin injury • Heavy drinking • Smoking • Infection • Some medications IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT SKIN Mental Health and Wellness Psoriasis can affect: • Self-confidence • Desire to participate in sports and activities • Relationships and sex life • Mood and anxiety level Psoriatic Arthritis Up to 30% of people with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis. This inflammatory disease affects joints, causing swelling, pain, stiffness and fatigue. Other Health Conditions People with psoriasis are also at higher risk for: • Depression • Diabetes • Heart disease • Kidney disease Treating psoriasis can help reduce some of the risks. It can also help if you: • See the doctor regularly • Exercise and stay active • Eat a nutrient-rich diet • Avoid smoking and drinking • Practice relaxation and stress management PSORIASIS TREATMENTS While there’s no cure for psoriasis, treatments can help lower inflammation, reduce symptoms and slow disease progression. Treatment may include: OTC Methods • Hydrocortisone cream • Coal tar • Moisturizer • Scale softeners Prescription Methods • Steroid cream • Vitamin D cream • Retinoid cream • Phototherapy • Systemic medication (for example, Acitretin, Cyclosporine, Methotrexate) • Biologic medication (for example, Cosentyx, Enbrel, Humira) SOURCES American Academy of Dermatology, “Medications and Light Therapies.” American Academy of Dermatology, “Psoriasis: Causes.” American Academy of Dermatology, “Psoriasis: Overview.” American Academy of Dermatology, “Should I Treat My Psoriasis?” American Academy of Dermatology, “What Psoriasis Treatments Are Available Without a Prescription?” InformedHeath.org, “Recreational activities, relationships and everyday life with psoriasis.” 2017. Magin, P., et al. (2009) The psychological sequelae of psoriasis: Results of a qualitative study. Psychology, Health & Medicine. National Psoriasis Foundation, “About Psoriatic Arthritis.” 2020. National Psoriasis Foundation, “Comorbidities (related health conditions).” 2019. National Psoriasis Foundation, “Genes and Psoriasis.” 2019. National Psoriasis Foundation, “Moderate to Severe Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Biologic Drugs.” 2019. National Psoriasis Foundation, “Psoriasis Fact Sheet.” 2017. National Psoriasis Foundation, “Statistics.” National Psoriasis Foundation, “Traditional systemic medications.” 2019. Rachakonda, T., et al. (2014) Psoriasis prevalence among adults in the United States. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. World Health Organization, “Global Report on Psoriasis.” 2016. Yasuda, H., et al. (1990) A survey of the social and psychological effects of psoriasis. Nihon Hifuka Gakkai Zasshi, The Japanase journal of dermatology.