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Breaking the Stigma: Living and Thriving with Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune condition that affects the skin, but its impact reaches far beyond physical appearance. Characterized by red, flaky, and often itchy patches of skin, it’s a disease that can affect a person’s quality of life, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. Despite affecting over 125 million people worldwide, psoriasis is still widely misunderstood and sometimes even stigmatized.
At its core, psoriasis is caused by a malfunction in the immune system, which speeds up the production of skin cells. Normally, skin cells grow and shed over the course of about a month. In people with psoriasis, this cycle can happen in just a few days, causing a buildup of dead skin that forms scaly patches. These patches can appear anywhere, but they’re most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.
There are several types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis being the most common. Other types include guttate psoriasis (usually triggered by infections), inverse psoriasis (found in skin folds), pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), and erythrodermic psoriasis, a rare and severe form that can cover the entire body.
Thank you for this empowering article! Breaking the stigma around psoriasis is so important, and it’s inspiring to see more open conversations happening about what it's really like to live with this condition. One thing that has made a huge difference for me personally is using UVB Narrowband lamps. They’ve helped reduce the frequency and severity of my flare-ups without the side effects of some medications. For anyone looking for a non-invasive treatment option that can be done at home, I highly recommend exploring this therapy. It’s definitely worth considering as part of a broader psoriasis management plan.