August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month
21 Aug
August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month. My husband, David, has Psoriatic Arthritis. We didn’t even know he had Psoriasis until he was diagnosed with the arthritis. David has mild Psoriasis on his scalp that he’d always assumed was dandruff. Once, just before his worst arthritis flare, he had Psoriasis on his knees. David’s rheumatologist told us if any patches ever spring up to be sure to take a photograph. Since David doesn’t have visible Psoriasis, every new doctor questions his diagnosis.
This was taken in the middle of his worst flare. Can you tell how much pain he's in?
So many Psoriasis sufferers have extremely painful lesions. Not only are they physically painful, it’s extremely embarrassing. Here are some facts about Psoriasis from the National Psoriasis Foundation.
*Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints.
*Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S., affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans.
*Psoriasis is not contagious.
Visit psoriasis.org to learn more and register for for the Psoriasis Awareness Month Challenge, which challenges people with 31 activities to raise awareness about psoriasis. You could be entered to win an iPad!
As a side note, lots of people are talking about Phil Mickelson. When I heard that he had been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and that Enbrel put him in remission, my immediate thought was, “I’ll bet he wasn’t given a year of older drugs to see if they would work first like David. I’ll bet because he’s rich and famous he was diagnosed quickly, and of course paying for TNF inhibitors was no problem.” Here’s an article with a more balanced perspective on Phil Mickelson’s Psoriatic Arthritis. The comments were really interesting, too.
This is very educational. I’ll have to go check out the sights you listed. Davids face in the picture is awfully red but other than that I couldn’t tell. Hope your weekend was wonderful!
Something’s always struck me as wrong or off about the photo, and I would have to say the eyes give it away with what strikes me as wincing.
I agree with Scott – pain shows in your eyes. What is striking to me is David is smiling through the pain. I can understand. I hope that kind of pain is a rare thing soon.
Aww….I know the “grin and bear it” face.
But you both still look fabulous!!
I would also say you can see it in his eyes. I hope he finds some relief.
LisaDay