As we head into the month of August, it’s a fitting time to acknowledge National Psoriasis Awareness Month, since the summer sun can serve as a balm for the irritated skin of psoriasis. In fact, just a half hour of sun exposure each day can help; although most people with psoriasis will require at least some type of medication treatment (OTC or prescription).
More than 8 million Americans experience psoriasis, with hallmark symptoms of itchy or sore patches of thick, reddened skin covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis flare ups can be triggered by:
Although the exact cause of psoriasis is not known, psoriasis tends to run in families. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that affect the life cycle of skin cells: skin cells, which should normally take weeks growing to maturity deep beneath the surface of the skin, instead rise to the skin’s surface and form red patches of dry, itchy scales.
A common treatment plan for psoriasis is called the “1-2-3” approach.
With psoriasis, although no cure is available, long term remission is possible. Therapy for severe and extensive plaque disease is where a specialty pharmacy such as BioPlus can most help. Our pharmacy team is ready to help your patients achieve and maintain remission of psoriasis symptoms.
By The Numbers
* Source: The National Psoriasis Foundation