August is Psoriasis Awareness Month

Psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the U.S., affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals resulting in red, scaly patches on the skin that bleed and itch. Psoriasis is not contagious. 

Psoriasis frequently occurs with a range of other health concerns including Crohn's disease (an autoimmune intestinal disorder), diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, depression and liver disease.

Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints. People with mild psoriasis are just as likely to develop psoriatic arthritis as those with moderate or severe forms of the disease.

People with psoriasis suffer from a painful social stigma regarding physical appearance causing more than 50% to report significant affects on their emotional well-being, 37% avoid social activities and 35% limit dating.

https://www.psoriasis.org