Psoriasis Awareness Day: What You Need to Know About Symptoms, Types, and Treatment

Posted on: October 29th, 2025 by Our Team

October 29 is World Psoriasis Awareness Day, a time to shine a light on a common but often misunderstood skin condition. Psoriasis affects more than 8 million Americans and is much more than dry, flaky skin — it’s a chronic immune-related disease that requires medical care and long-term management.

Psoriasis causes skin cells to grow too quickly. Instead of renewing every month, new cells build up within days, creating thick, red, scaly patches called plaques. These areas can itch, crack, and sometimes bleed. Psoriasis isn’t contagious, but it often runs in families and can be triggered by stress, infections, or injury to the skin.

There are several types, and recognizing them helps guide treatment:

• Plaque psoriasis: Most common, with raised red patches and silvery scales.
• Guttate psoriasis: Small, drop-shaped spots, often after strep throat.
• Inverse psoriasis: Smooth, shiny lesions in skin folds.
• Pustular psoriasis: White pustules surrounded by red skin.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: Severe, widespread redness — a medical emergency.

Common symptoms include itching, soreness, scaling, and nail changes. In some cases, psoriasis is linked to psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness. It’s also associated with other health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and depression — making early diagnosis and treatment important.

While there’s no cure, many treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Options include:

• Topical medications: Creams and ointments that reduce inflammation and slow cell growth.
• Phototherapy: Controlled light therapy performed in a dermatologist’s office.
• Oral medications: Pills that calm the immune system for moderate to severe cases.
• Biologic injections: Advanced therapies that target specific immune pathways.

The best plan depends on your type of psoriasis, severity, and health history — which is why partnering with a psoriasis dermatologist is key.

In addition to medical treatment, small lifestyle changes can help:

• Moisturize daily to prevent dryness and scaling.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques or therapy.
• Avoid triggers such as smoking, drinking alcohol, certain medications, and skin injuries.
• Stay healthy with balanced nutrition and regular exercise.

If you have red, itchy, scaly patches that don’t improve with over-the-counter care, or if your symptoms affect your daily life, it’s time to seek professional help.

At Essential Dermatology in Rolesville, NC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating psoriasis. Our team offers personalized care plans to reduce flare-ups, manage inflammation, and help you feel confident in your skin.

Schedule an appointment today to discuss your symptoms and explore effective psoriasis treatment options near you.