| Do you, or someone you know, suffer from | | | | is involved. |
| psoriasis skin disease? Do you know the cause? | | | | The National Psoriasis Foundation reports that 56 |
| Did you know that Psoriasis may be one of the | | | | million work hours are lost each year by those |
| oldest recorded skin conditions? It was probably | | | | who have psoriasis. Additionally, a survey |
| first described around 35 AD. Some evidence | | | | conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation in |
| indicates an even earlier date. Yet, until recently, | | | | 2002 indicates that 26% of people living with |
| little was known about psoriasis. | | | | moderate to severe psoriasis have been forced |
| Psoriasis is the most common skin condition | | | | to change or discontinue their normal daily |
| known today. People who develop psoriasis have | | | | activities. |
| plaque psoriasis, which appears as patches of | | | | Unfortunately, more than 4.5 million adults in the |
| raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale. | | | | United States have been diagnosed with psoriasis, |
| These patches, or plaques, frequently form on | | | | and approximately 150,000 new cases are |
| the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. | | | | diagnosed each year. An estimated 20% have |
| However, the plaques can occur anywhere on the | | | | moderate to severe psoriasis. While psoriasis |
| body. | | | | occurs equally in males and females, more recent |
| Psoriasis skin disease is a chronic condition | | | | studies show that there may be an ethnic link. |
| because there is currently no cure. People often | | | | It seems that psoriasis is most common in |
| experience flare ups and remissions throughout | | | | Caucasians and slightly less common in African |
| their life. Controlling the signs and symptoms | | | | Americans. Additionally, psoriasis is most common |
| typically requires lifelong therapy. Psoriasis usually | | | | in Scandinavia and other parts of northern Europe. |
| causes much discomfort; the skin often itches, | | | | It appears to be far less common among Asians |
| and it may crack and bleed. In severe cases, the | | | | and is rare in Native Americans. |
| itching and discomfort may keep a person awake | | | | However, living with this lifelong condition can be |
| at night, and the pain can make everyday tasks | | | | physically and emotionally challenging. Itching, |
| difficult. | | | | soreness, cracked and bleeding skin are common. |
| Treatment depends on the severity of the | | | | Several studies have shown that people often |
| condition. Some psoriasis is so mild that the | | | | feel frustrated. In some cases, psoriasis limits |
| person is unaware of the condition. Recently, | | | | activities and makes it difficult to perform job |
| research has significantly advanced in the | | | | responsibilities. |
| understanding of psoriasis. One important | | | | Studies also have shown that stress, anxiety, |
| breakthrough began with the discovery that | | | | loneliness, and low self-esteem are part of daily |
| kidney-transplant recipients who had psoriasis | | | | life for people living with psoriasis skin disease. |
| experienced clearing when taking cyclosporine. | | | | Imagine the embarrassment and pain an individual |
| Since cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive | | | | suffers with this condition. |
| medication, this indicates that the immune system | | | | |