(ARA) - More than 4.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis, a serious immune-mediated disease that occurs when skin cells regenerate too quickly and build up on the skin's surface, forming patches that can itch, crack and be extremely painful.
The disease typically first strikes people between the ages of 15 and 35, but it can affect anyone at any age. While there is no cure, there are effective treatments that can improve the condition of the skin and reduce swelling, redness, flaking and itching.
In addition to medical treatment, proper skin care is also important, especially during the cold, dry winter months; it can help prevent or moderate your psoriasis symptoms. Here are some tips for caring for your sensitive skin this winter.
* Avoid skin care products that irritate your skin. Your doctor can recommend good brands to try. It may take a bit of trial and error to find a lotion or cream you like that works for your skin.
* Take a bath daily to replace skin moisture loss due to cold, dry weather or drying medications. Apply a moisturizer immediately after your bath to seal in moisture.
* Keep your skin moisturized. Wrapping affected areas with tape, fabric or plastic after applying lotion helps its effectiveness.
* Use your prescribed medications properly, following instructions to the letter.
Treatments for psoriasis can be divided into three basic categories: sunlight and topical agents (external therapies); phototherapy (artificial ultraviolet light, or a combination of ultraviolet light and medications); and systemic (internal) medications taken by pill or injection. No single treatment works for everyone, but something is likely to work in most cases.
"We believe all people should have access to the latest treatments, knowledgeable doctors and cutting edge information so they can live as symptom free as possible," says Gail Zimmerman, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation.
The Psoriasis Foundation offers many sources of information for people who want to learn more about psoriasis. The organization's revamped, interactive Web site has the latest news and information, plus a thriving community of people sharing experiences and insights of living with psoriasis.
The Psoriasis Foundation also offers a new member support kit that includes the bimonthly Psoriasis Advance magazine, the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Guide, the Guide to Living with Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, and a Guide to National Psoriasis Foundation Programs and Services. Patients interested in receiving this kit should contact the Psoriasis Foundation at 800.723.9166 or visit
www.psoriasis.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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