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It’s Psoriasis Awareness Month! For some of us, this seems like just another month, but for others who live with this condition, this is something near and dear to their hearts. According to current studies, more than 8 million Americans have psoriasis. Many people refer to psoriasis as a cosmetic problem, but it is much worse than that and can develop into an even larger health concern. Here we will discuss everything you need to know about living with psoriasis to help spread awareness about this burden of a condition. 

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which cells build up and form scale-like patches that are dry and itchy. It is, in technical terms, an autoimmune condition that you get from cells growing much faster than normal and pile up too quickly. There are several different kinds of this condition, but the most common is plaque psoriasis. Although many people have psoriasis, it is not contagious; however, it is known to be genetic so if someone in your family has it, you are more likely to get it. 

Can psoriasis be cured?

For it to become known that you have psoriasis, something needs to trigger this condition - but once it is triggered, one typically lives with this condition for the rest of their life. This condition is known to be a chronic condition as it often worsens throughout the years, especially if you are not treating it. 

How do you treat psoriasis?

There are many ways people treat their psoriasis depending on the severity of it. At CarePro Compounding, we often see topical compounds being used to treat the condition. Some of the medications used in the topical ointment include: coal tar, steroids, salicylic acid, urea, alpha-hydroxy acid and retinoids. These different medications help to soften and exfoliate the skin, promote hydration and reduce itching and inflammation.

However, treatments can range from topical ointments and moisturizers if you have a less severe condition, to oral and injected medications if you have a more severe case. Along with these options, it is important to lessen the chance of triggers that result in a flare-up by eating a proper diet, lowering your stress levels and overall just taking care of your mental, emotional and physical health. This is something that is often overlooked when one is taking medication but is still necessary if you’re wanting to treat this properly. 

If you or someone you love struggles with psoriasis, the pharmacists at CarePro Compounding are here to help. Skin challenges can happen to all of us, which is why our experts can create a custom skin medication for your specific needs, dosage and ingredients. Once you’ve seen your dermatologist, bring your prescription in and we’ll take care of the rest!