Let’s Talk Psoriasis: It’s Time to Clear Up the Confusion (and the Skin!)

By Sheila Keppler, CEO of WellAve Dermatology

Hey skin warriors — Sheila here!

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, and if you’ve ever found yourself Googling “weird red patch won’t go away” at 1 a.m., this one’s for you.

Let’s cut through the fluff: psoriasis is NOT just dry skin, it’s NOT contagious (can we stop asking that, please?), and it’s NOT something to be ashamed of. It’s a real, chronic, immune-mediated skin condition — and it deserves our attention, empathy, and understanding.

So grab your coffee (or your cortisone), and let’s break it down.

---

💥 What Is Psoriasis Anyway?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. Instead of the usual 30-day turnover, your skin starts regenerating every 3-5 days. The result? A buildup of thick, scaly patches that can itch, crack, and bleed.

It’s not cute, it’s not comfortable, and it’s definitely not something anyone chooses.

This condition is immune-related, meaning your body is mistakenly attacking healthy skin cells — like a drama queen immune system going off-script.

---

🔎 What Does Psoriasis Look Like?

You’ve probably seen it — or maybe you have it — but didn’t know what to call it. Psoriasis can show up as:

• 🔴 Thick red plaques with silvery-white scales (most common)
• ❄️ Flaky patches on the scalp that look like supercharged dandruff
• 🤏 Tiny drop-like spots after strep throat (called guttate psoriasis)
• 💅 Pitted or discolored nails
• 🦶 Cracked skin on the hands and feet

It can show up anywhere — elbows, knees, scalp, back, nails, even your eyelids (yep, we’ve seen it all).

---

🧬 What Causes It?

Short answer: Genetics + immune system + environmental triggers = psoriasis.

Long answer: You may inherit the gene for psoriasis, but it’s often something external (like stress, infection, medication, or cold weather) that flips the switch.

You’re not “dirty,” you’re not doing anything wrong, and no — gluten didn’t cause this (although for some, diet can play a role in flare-ups).

---

🚫 Myths We Need to Retire — Immediately

❌ “Psoriasis is contagious.”
Nope. Zip. Nada. You cannot catch it, and you don’t need to avoid anyone with it.

❌ “It’s just a rash.”
Try telling that to someone whose whole scalp is on fire or whose joints hurt from psoriatic arthritis.

❌ “Only older people get it.”
Wrong again! Psoriasis can strike at any age — even in kids.

---

💡 Why It Matters — and Why We’re Speaking Up

At WellAve, we believe skin confidence is a form of self-care, and awareness is power. Psoriasis affects over 8 million Americans — and yet, many suffer in silence because of the stigma and confusion surrounding it.

This month, we’re shouting louder than your aunt at family dinner: Psoriasis deserves attention.

We see you. We treat you. And most importantly, we’re here to empower you.

---

✅ What Can You Do This August?

• Schedule a skin check at WellAve
• Share this blog to spread awareness
• Wear purple for psoriasis awareness
• Support someone you know who’s struggling with it
• Stop using fragranced products on inflamed skin (seriously, stop)