The month of August sheds light on individuals living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, along with prevention and treatment options for the disease.
4 common symptoms
Symptoms of psoriasis can vary from person to person, according to NIAMS. The four most common symptoms of psoriasis include patches of thick, red skin with silvery-white scales that itch or burn, dry, cracked skin that itches or bleeds, thick, ridged nail beds, and poor sleep quality.
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Nearly one quarter of people with psoriasis have cases that are considered moderate to severe, according to The National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis treatments vary by individual needs. The variety of treatment options for psoriasis patients is positive, as it allows healthcare providers to assist patients in finding effective treatments specific to the individual. Treatments that are available for both psoriasis and PsA include relieving pain through medication and therapy, reducing swelling, helping keep joints working properly, and preventing joint damage.
8 million
More than 8 million people in the United States are currently diagnosed with psoriasis. Psoriasis is not just a cosmetic/skin issue. Almost 60% of people living with psoriasis reported to The National Psoriasis Foundation that the disease had a significant, negative impact on their daily lives, with a greater impact being reported among younger patients and women.
30 to 50
PsA can begin at any age and may also impact children. The disease most often occurs between ages 30 and 50, according to The National Psoriasis Foundation, and for many individuals PsA begins about 10 years after psoriasis develops. Some patients can develop PsA without noticing or developing psoriasis first.
1.5% vs. 3.6%
Psoriasis prevalence in African Americans is 1.5% compared to 3.6% in Caucasians, according to The National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis is likely underdiagnosed among individuals with skin of color due to differences in clinical presentation. A growing body of research aims to better define the prevalence of psoriasis among racial and ethnic groups and to shed light on disease-related disparities in the United States, according to The National Psoriasis Foundation.
30%
Already having been diagnosed with psoriasis carries the risk of getting other serious conditions (comorbidity), according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). An estimated 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), according to The National Psoriasis Foundation. PsA is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the joints, tendons, and ligaments. Other serious conditions associated with psoriasis include mental health issues, cancer, Crohn’s disease, cardiovascular events (stroke and heart attacks), and more.
125 million
Psoriasis is the result of a dysfunctional immune system, meaning it is both cosmetic and an internal immune disease. With psoriasis, an overactive immune system causes a rapid increase in skin cell production, leading to raised, scaly patches on the skin. According to The National Psoriasis Foundation and the World Psoriasis Consortium, 125 million people worldwide (2-3%) of the total population have some form of psoriasis.