National Psoriasis Month

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, making it is a good time to have an annual skin checkup and learn about signs and symptoms of this persistent inflammatory skin disease.

What causes psoriasis?

Psoriasis is common yet chronic skin condition characterized by itchy plaques, scaly rashes and red or dry patches of skin and caused by an overactive immune system. The condition has been linked to genetics, immunity, and environmental triggers.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation:

• Psoriasis afflicts more than 8 million Americans.

• 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis, according to the World Psoriasis Day Consortium.

• Studies show that between 10 and 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.

• Psoriasis often appears between the ages of 15 and 25, but can develop at any age.

• Psoriatic arthritis usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50, but can develop at any age.

• Studies show psoriasis runs in families.

• About one-third of people with psoriasis have a relative with the disease.

• The condition affects both men and women at the same rate.

Symptoms of psoriasis

There are a few telltale signs of the skin condition:

• Patches of raised red skin

• Thick, white or silvery scales on the skin

• Inflammation

• Itchy, flaking or burning skin

• Dry, cracked skin that bleeds

• Swollen and stiff joints

Psoriasis can develop anywhere on the body but commonly affects the elbows, knees, belly button, buttocks and scalp. It also shows up on the legs, back, nails, and the palms or soles of the feet. An outbreak can last for weeks or months, and it is a condition that can clear up and then reappear.