Psoriasis Connection
by Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN
updated on 04/28/2006 at 05:14PM
Psoriasis is caused by the unusually rapid growth of skin cells that can build up on the skin’s surface. This causes thick, silvery or scaly patches on the skin’s surface. Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body, but it strikes most often on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet and lower back. This condition causes itching and severe discomfort.
Depending upon where on the body psoriasis occurs, it can also cause embarrassment and impede one’s ability to work or perform daily activities. Psoriasis can greatly affect a sufferer’s quality of life as it affects everything in a patient’s daily life from one’s choice of clothes, to occupational opportunities, to his or her quality of sleep. Psoriasis affects roughly four and a half million Americans.
There are many remedies that can help patients alleviate the physical discomforts of psoriasis. But for emotional support, it is necessary for people who suffer from psoriasis to connect with others who are also afflicted with the condition. Psoriasis connections through local support groups, online chat centers, or one-on-one meetings help psoriasis sufferers learn about the latest medical advice and research regarding their condition. Staying in touch with others who are afflicted with psoriasis also provides much needed emotional support.
Education and Research
Connecting with other people who are affected by psoriasis is an excellent way to learn more about your condition and the treatment options that are available. Psoriasis support groups and chat rooms can keep you in touch with the latest medical advice and resources for your condition. For example, significant progress has been made in understanding the causes of psoriasis. Researchers now understand that there are actually a number of genes that play a role in the development of this condition.
There is a great emphasis on learning more about these genes and the exact combination of genetic influences that result in psoriasis. Researchers are also studying new treatment methods that can be used to reduce the inflammation that is caused by psoriasis. Some new treatment options that are being considered are those that block the activity of T cells or the proteins within the blood that promote inflammation. There are currently a number of drugs in clinical trials that are awaiting approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). I personally do not believe or endorse the use of these drugs.
Another treatment option that is emerging for the treatment of psoriasis uses laser technology. Advances in the use of lasers have made it possible for health care providers to experiment with the use of laser light treatment on psoriatic localized plaques. Testing on Ultraviolet B lasers is underway in an effort to study the effectiveness and side effects on patients with psoriasis. At present, the results of laser surgery for psoriasis are mixed. Some patients have noted improvements in their psoriatic outbreaks, while others have experienced side effects such as inflammation, blistering, and discoloration following treatment.
Connecting with other individuals who are afflicted with psoriasis can keep you in touch with this information and allow you to more effectively evaluate the treatment option that might work well for you and your condition.
Emotional Support
The most important aspect about connecting with others in a psoriasis support group is the emotional benefit it brings to those who are affected by the condition. People with psoriasis are often embarrassed or even ostracized because of their condition. Even though psoriasis is not infectious in any way, people who are unfamiliar with the disease may be fearful of infection if they see someone with a psoriatic outbreak. It can be very distressing and alienating to those who suffer from psoriasis.
A connection with others can help them work through their feelings and learn methods for dealing with potentially embarrassing social situations. Some individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis may benefit from counseling or participation in a support group to reduce self-consciousness about their appearance or relieve psychological distress resulting from fear of social rejection.
The Psoriasis Connection…Where Can You Learn More About Psoriasis?
Psoriasis support groups may be advertised locally through hospitals, libraries, or your health care provider’s office. In addition, the web is a great source of information for those who are interested in learning more about psoriasis and connecting with others who are afflicted with the condition.
