August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. As many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis making it the most common autoimmune disease in the United States. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed the growth cycle of skin cells resulting in irritating, scaly patches on the body. Psoriasis is not contagious and there is no known cure. Psoriasis often occurs with other physical and mental health issues including diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and depression. Almost 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis which causes pain and swelling around the joints, and 70% of people with the disease say it makes them feel self-conscious.
Become involved with helping to raise awareness and support for those living with psoriatic diseases by becoming an advocate, registering to “walk for a cure”, or volunteering with the National Psoriasis Foundation which has locations throughout the country.
Collection Spotlight from the National Rehabilitation Information Center 
Thank you for sharing this information. With close to 8 million Americans who are living with some form of psoriasis, it is unfortunate that so many people still fall prey to common misconceptions like “psoriasis is a contagious illness”. I’d bet that most people have no idea that it is an autoimmune disease. As you already know, this skin condition can make patients extremely self-conscious and embarrassed. But they don’t have to hide their disease from the people who are close to them. I think another great aspect of Psoriasis Awareness Month is teaching patients that they don’t have to hide because of their psoriasis.
With so many people affected and the tremendous impact it has on one’s social and emotional life, I think Psoriasis Awareness Month should be also about teaching unaffected people how to support psoriasis sufferers.