August is Psoriasis Awareness Month. Every year, during the month of August, the National Psoriasis Foundation sponsors Psoriasis Awareness Month in order to raise awareness about psoriasis and educate the public about the disease.

As a psoriasis sufferer, this is a very important cause for me. Before I was diagnosed with psoriasis 9 years ago, I knew very little about psoriasis or how devastating it can be. Psoriasis is far more than just red, flaking patches that appear on the skin. Psoriasis is not only painful and uncomfortable, it can also be embarrassing and emotionally devastating. There is currently no cure for psoriasis and managing the disease for many has proven very difficult. An estimated 30 percent of psoriasis sufferers also develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis has also been shown to lead to a variety of other health problems. Psoriasis is not contagious.

Although psoriasis is the most prevalent autoimmune disease in the United States, affecting an estimated 7.5 million Americans, many people know very little, or nothing at all, about the disease. Therefore, it is very important to spread the word about psoriasis.

The National Psoriasis Foundation does an incredible job of sharing information about psoriasis, educating the public, and supporting research to find a cure for the disease. In honor of Psoriasis Awareness Month, the National Psoriasis Foundation posted the following survey results about the often-devastating emotional effects of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis:

Source: National Psoriasis Foundation

During the month of August, we will post regular blogs providing information and resources about psoriasis and how you can learn more about the diease. How much do you know about psoriasis?