Women and psoriasis

Women are too often the last to go to the doctor. They are busy taking care of their families and loved ones and put themselves last on the list. There are some red flags that shouldn't be ignored - even by busy caretakers. One of those is a rash that won't go away even after treating it with over-the-counter medications. Sometimes a rash isn't just a rash - it could be the sign of a more serious disease called psoriasis.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. It is also associated with serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.

More about psoriasis

Psoriasis often develops between the ages of 15 and 35, but it can develop at any age. It does tend to run in a family but is not something you can "catch" or that others can catch from you. Psoriasis lesions are not infectious but some people report that the lesions are itchy, burn and sting. You can develop psoriasis anywhere on your body and the recommended treatment varies depending on the type and location of your lesions. The most common areas for psoriasis are:

• Scalp - extending beyond the hairline onto the forehead, neck and around the ears
• Face - most often around eyebrows, the upper forehead, hairline and skin between your nose and upper lip
• Hands, feet and nails - probably the most common affected area and can lead to psoriatic arthritis
• Skin folds - such as the armpits or under breasts where rubbing and sweating can cause flare-ups
• Genitals

How psoriasis affects women

Psoriasis can go into remission but there is no long term cure. It is both uncomfortable and embarrassing for many people. Women often complain of having to dress differently to cover areas infected by psoriasis or avoiding dark clothing because of skin flakes from psoriasis flare-ups. Women also have to deal with the challenges of scalp treatments with thick, long hair and issues around their choice of make-up.

While it's true that the cosmetic impacts of psoriasis may be harder for women to bear, there are some serious health risks associated with psoriasis as well. Women with psoriasis are at risk for other conditions such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Women who are extremely overweight are at increased risk of getting psoriasis and then at further increased risk of serious complications from heart disease. If you have psoriasis it is very important that you see both a dermatologist and general physician to screen yourself for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Other considerations for women with psoriasis

1. Certain treatments are not safe if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive. Make sure to talk to your doctor about which treatments are safe and which you should avoid. 
2. Some women need special accommodations for delivery - especially if they have a psoriasis flare up.
3. Pregnancy definitely affects psoriasis. It is common for psoriasis to improve during pregnancy and then flare up after birth. Talk to your doctor and plan ahead to try and prevent bad flare-ups. 

Learn more from the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Dermatology at Logansport Memorial

Psoriasis affects women physically, mentally and socially. If you have psoriasis or think you may, make an appointment with a health care provider who offers high quality health care for women. Women throughout north central Indiana turn to the experts at Logansport Memorial Hospital for complete care on a wide range of health issues. Dr. Alan Anthony is currently accepting patients.

Learn more