Protect Your Skin—August is Psoriasis Awareness Month
August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to spreading information on the causes, types, and treatments for this skin disease that affects thousands of Americans. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches on the skin. These skin lesions are a result of abnormally quick skin cell growth causing a build-up of skin. Psoriasis typically develops on the hands, feet, knees, scalp, face, and lower back. Dermatologists perform a skin examination to determine the diagnosis of psoriasis. This skin condition is not contagious.
The exact causes of psoriasis are still unknown. Doctors have recently identified about 25 genetic variants that have been linked to the development of psoriasis, though. About 1/3 of people with psoriasis have a family member who also suffers from this skin condition. If one parent has psoriasis, the child has a 10% chance of developing it. If both parents have psoriasis, the child has a 50% chance of developing psoriasis. Other factors that contribute to development of this skin disease include a weakened/damaged immune system or injuries, known as triggers. In children, psoriasis has been linked with health problems like strep throat and injuries to the skin. Psoriasis can also be triggered by diabetes, heart disease, depression, stress, and certain medications. Some breakouts have been attributed to allergies, diet/food, and weather, as well.
There are 5 forms of psoriasis. The most common form is plaque psoriasis. These skin lesions are often itchy and painful. Another form that usually appears in childhood, especially after the child has had strep throat, is Guttate. This type of psoriasis is the second most common. Types 3 and 4 include Inverse psoriasis and Pustular psoriasis. The most severe form of psoriasis is Erythrodermic psoriasis. This form spreads quickly and is very painful. If untreated, it can even be life threatening. Thankfully only a small percentage of the population suffers from this form.
The severity of psoriatic outbreaks is determined by the amount of skin affected and how the lesions affect the individual’s quality of life. If the individual has less than 3% of their body affected, they are considered to have a mild case of psoriasis. Moderate psoriasis covers between 3-10% of the body. More than 10% skin affected by psoriasis abrasions is severe. For quality of life, the individual is highly encouraged to learn to reduce stress and manage their want to itch. People with psoriasis are more likely to become depressed, as well. This can cause burdens on relationships and the individual’s work life (i.e. missing work because of doctor appointments).
Several treatments have been developed since the late 1970s. The method of treatment is often determined by the type of psoriasis and where the affected skin is located. There is not a one-fits-all treatment for psoriasis. There are several topical creams, injections/shots, prescription drugs/oral medications, and light/phototherapy options. Many people who suffer from psoriasis are prescribed a combination of the treatment methods to greatly reduce or eliminate the lesions.
Psoriasis is a common skin disease that is noncontagious and treatable. Continuously spreading the facts and making your peers aware of this disease can help people recognize the signs of breakouts (on themselves) and potentially help those who suffer from this disease have a better quality of life. To learn more about psoriasis, please visit National Psoriasis Foundation.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672
