In honor of Psoriasis Awareness Month, we’re devoting August to raising awareness about psoriatic disease and its effects on the more than 7.5 million people living with this condition. About Psoriasis Awareness Month Each August, the National Psoriasis Foundation sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month to raise awareness, encourage research and advocate for better care for people with psoriasis. To learn more about psoriasis awareness month, you can visit the website: https://www.psoriasis.org/wellness. Some Facts about Psoriasis According to the National Psoriasis Foundation:
- 33% of psoriasis patients report social interactions are impacted
- 59% report the condition is a problem in their everyday lives
- 52% are dissatisfied with treatment
- 72% are overweight or obese, increasing the risk of other chronic conditions
The good news is that there are many things you can proactively do to improve your health and well-being and get your psoriasis under control. As we discuss psoriasis this month, we will educate you about how you can live and feel better with psoriasis by making lifestyle changes and partnering with a Forefront Dermatologist. Living With Psoriasis If you have psoriasis, you know that it can affect much more than your skin. Psoriasis can have a serious emotional impact on those who suffer from this often painful and embarrassing condition. The symptoms can cause stress and anxiety, which can further exacerbate flare-ups and cause depression. According to a patient who suffers from psoriasis, “It’s one of those diseases where you really feel like you’re alone. I often feel like I’m the only person who has this condition.” After an embarrassing encounter where a friend asked about his psoriasis in a group setting, a turning point came for this patient when he decided to find a dermatologist to help him manage his condition. “I went to the dermatologist and we developed a treatment plan designed just for me. My dermatologist is a strong listener and very caring, and my advice to anyone trying to find a dermatologist is that you should do some homework to find a doctor who is involved with psoriasis.” How Can I Find a Dermatologist Who Will Work with Me To Treat My Psoriasis? If you are living with psoriasis, and are ready to get help with your condition, there are many things that you can do to feel better. You can start by finding the board-certified Forefront dermatologist nearest you. If you have had treatment for your psoriasis in the past, but have not been satisfied with the results, it could be worthwhile to try working with a new doctor. “Treatment options for psoriasis have come a long way in recent years, and I work with each patient as an individual to tailor a treatment plan specifically to their lifestyle and goals” says Dr. Donnelly, a board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology in Carmel, Indiana. “Through a combination of lifestyle changes and medications, most of my patients are able to see significant improvement in their psoriasis in as little as four to six weeks.” If you are living with psoriasis and are ready to explore treatment options, find the Forefront physician nearest you that can work with you to design a tailored treatment plan to prevent flare-ups and eliminate psoriatic disease symptoms in many cases. Make sure to bring a list of any treatments you have tried in the past, and how they worked for you. Also, it is important you discuss your personal medical history with your doctor, and any medications you may currently be taking. Dr. Donnelly suggests you come to your appointment prepared with questions for your doctor such as:
- What is your overall approach to the treatment of psoriasis?
- Do you recommend lifestyle changes, such as changes to diet, exercise or supplements in addition to conventional therapies?
- What can I do to prevent damage internally from psoriasis?
- What are my options for long-term control of this condition?
