August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month. In honor of this, we thought we’d share some information and handy links about psoriasis.
The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that…
- Psoriasis, which affects as many as 7.5 million Americans, is the most common autoimmune disease in this country.
- The immune system of someone who has psoriasis sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells, which results in scaly red patches on the body that are painful, itchy, and often bleed.
- Psoriasis is not contagious.
- Psoriasis often occurs in conjunction with other conditions, like diabetes, depression, heart attack, and hypertension.
- There is no cure for psoriasis.
If you notice any changes in the condition of your skin, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor or dermatologist so they can evaluate any potential skin problems. Don’t have a doctor or dermatologist at this time? Check whether or not your employee benefits package at work includes an advocacy service such as Health Advocate that can help you find medical care providers that meet your needs and can help you feel better as quickly as possible.
