Managing your psoriasis is possible
As a chronic condition, there is no cure to psoriasis but recent advancements in disease management mean the signs and symptoms can be controlled.1 And while the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, research has shown both a person’s immune system and their genetics play a role.2 Psoriasis often appears between ages 15-35 and affects both men and women equally.2
Psoriasis is more than skin deep
Psoriasis is first and foremost a disease of the immune system.2 This means its characteristic plaques are formed due to an immune system response happening underneath the skin.3-6 Skin cells are activated by pathogenic, or inflammation-inducing cells causing skin cells to grow rapidly, forming plaques.3-6 This process becomes a self-perpetuating cycle, contributing to the chronic nature of the disease.3-6
This inflammation can also result in other, related conditions: psoriatic arthritis (impacts the joints), nail psoriasis (characterized by changes in the nail bed such as pitting), Crohn’s disease (inflammation of the digestive tract), metabolic disease (increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat).1,2
It is important to talk to your doctor about all your symptoms—not just your skin—so they can best manage your disease. Get some tips on how to start this conversation.
What kind of psoriasis do you have?
There are four common types of psoriasis:
Your doctor is the best resource to help you understand which type of psoriasis you have. See other important topics to discuss with your doctor here.
Psoriasis can affect your mind, too
Because the symptoms of psoriasis are so visible, they can also impact mental and emotional health.1 Many people living with psoriasis have embarrassment, lack of self-esteem, anxiety and increased prevalence of depression stemming from their condition.1 People with psoriasis have reported experiencing a wide range of impacts on their:1
It can be hard to talk about the specific details of how your psoriasis impacts your mental and emotional health, but it is important to talk to your doctor about all of the ways your psoriasis impacts your daily life so they can have a complete understanding of your disease and determine the best psoriasis management plan for you. Not sure how to start the discussion? Use this guide to help get you started.
If you have psoriasis, you are not alone.
Psoriasis impacts more than 125 million people worldwide, which is about 3% of the entire world’s population.3 Hear from others living with psoriasis and how they’ve been empowered to speak up, connect with others and demand more here.
References:
You deserve to feel confident in your skin, but how do you have a clear conversation with your doctor? Sometimes speaking up can be the hardest part.
Be clear about your goals. The power to speak up, feel confident and demand the best care is within you. Sharing your story could be your next step to feeling free from psoriasis—and possibly inspire others to do the same.
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