What is Psoriasis?
August is National Psoriasis month. Psoriasis may be more common than you think. It is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin but is associated with other medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and psoriatic arthritis. It occurs in 2% of the population, most commonly affecting adults. The good news is Psoriasis can be managed through various treatment options. Because psoriasis may increase your risk for developing other medical conditions, it is especially important to understand the symptoms and report them to your doctor so you can explore treatment options.[1]
What happens in your body when you have psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly skin
that may feel painful, swollen, or hot. The skin inflammation in psoriasis
patients is caused by an overactive immune system that triggers skin cells to
be produced faster than normal. The rapidly produced new skin cells are pushed
the surface faster than your body can shed the old skin cells, leading to red
itchy patches called plaques.[2]
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom is dry, thick, raised patches on the skin. There are multiple types of psoriasis, so symptoms vary.
What causes it?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, and while not much is known about the causes, there are genetic links. You are more likely to get psoriasis if someone in your family has it. There are also some known environmental triggers such as stress, infection, certain medications and skin trauma such as severe burns. Though a common misconception, psoriasis is not contagious.[3]
How is it treated?
Treatments are highly individualized, and it may take some time to figure out which treatment option is right for you. Managing stress and preventing dry skin can also help prevent flare-ups as stress (mental and environmental) and other environmental factors are associated with onset and worsening of the condition.[4] Working with your healthcare provider is the best way to find the right treatment option for you.
Get the most out of working with your healthcare provider by tracking your symptoms, attending all your appointments, and asking questions about your treatment options.
If you do have Psoriasis, supplements may help to manage and reduce symptoms. Our Serrapeptase Enzyme may help with the side effects of psoriasis. You may also want to explore some supplements that help your body manage stress, such as Hemp Extract or Ashwagandha.
The right supplements could fill nutrient gaps to help
promote healthier skin. Take our free assessment to
get supplement recommendations personalized for you and delivered to your door
each month in convenient, daily vitamin packs.
1 Does Psorasis Effect More Than Just My Skin? American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/psoriasis/psoriasis-signs-and-symptoms/can-psoriasis-affect-more-than-my-skin#Symptoms. Updated 2018. Accessed August 29, 2019
2 Psorasis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis#tab-overview. Accessed August 29, 2019
3 Weigle N, Mcbane S. Psoriasis. Am Fam Physician. 2013 May 1;87(9):626-633.
4 Gudjonsson JE, Elder JT. Psoriasis: epidemiology. Clin Dermatol. 2007;25(6):535–546.
