Fight the stigma during Psoriasis Action Month

Kim Kardashian is known for her glamorous red carpet appearances, Cara Delevingne is known for her striking catwalk campaigns, and Liam Gallagher is known for his confidence on stage. Yet, what you might not know about these A-lister celebrities is that they each battle psoriasis. To mark Psoriasis Action Month this August, the health experts at YourGP discuss the physical and emotional impact of this common condition and the best ways to stop it from holding you back.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that manifests as red, scaly, itchy patches on the skin. It can occur anywhere on the body but the most common places include the elbows, face, feet, hands, knees, nails, scalp and skin folds.

Psoriasis is the result of an overactive immune system. Whilst skin cells would normally take around one month to grow and shed, this cycle lasts just 3-7 days in someone who has psoriasis. And instead of shedding, the skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin.

There are five types of psoriasis and it is possible for one person to have more than one kind:

1. Plaque psoriasis: The most common type, it appears as red, raised patches covered in silvery white scales.
2. Inverse psoriasis: This form appears in skin folds such as the armpits, groin and under the breasts, and looks like smooth, red, shiny patches.
3. Guttate psoriasis: This kind appears as small, pink spots, often triggered by a streptococcal infection.
4. Pustular psoriasis: This type appears as small, pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin.
5. Erythrodermic psoriasis: The rarest and most and severe form, this rash covers most of the body, is a bright red colour, and can lead to a range of potential complications such as infection.

What causes it?

The condition is believed to be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, the immune system and environmental factors. Stress can be a trigger, so practicing good self-care, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet and doing regular exercise can all help to minimise flare-ups.

How is it treated?

Sadly, there is no cure for psoriasis, but there is a range of treatments available to help you manage the symptoms. Psoriasis can vary greatly from person to person, and symptoms may flare-up and ease off in waves. For this reason, it is often a case of trial-and-error to find the right treatment for you.

Common treatments include topical lotions such as corticosteroids which can be applied directly to the affected areas. Phototherapy, which involves exposing your skin to certain types of ultraviolet light, can also help to ease symptoms. If topical treatments and phototherapy prove to be ineffective, other medications may be prescribed.

What emotional impact can it have?

Psoriasis can have a huge impact on a person’s life. The sensation of itchiness and pain can be a constant irritation, and the appearance of the scaly patches can impact a person’s confidence. Some sufferers may also develop pain and swelling in their joints, known as psoriatic arthritis, which can affect movement.

Sadly, some may also experience a degree of stigma, due to others wrongly presuming it is a contagious condition. As a result, studies show that people with psoriasis are more likely to experience feelings of depression and anxiety. But by tackling this lack of understanding throughout Psoriasis Action Month, we can hopefully help to turn things around.

Speak to an expert

If you’re worried about a skin condition, book a consultation with one of our highly qualified and experienced doctors. We can provide a range of effective treatments, or refer you on to a specialist dermatologist for further investigation. Book an appointment via our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.