August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Psoriasis is often thought of as “just a skin condition”, but for many people it has a much wider impact, affecting confidence, emotional wellbeing, relationships and day-to-day life.
Greater awareness helps people recognise the symptoms, seek advice sooner and understand that support is available.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune condition that causes skin cells to reproduce much faster than normal. Instead of shedding naturally, the cells build up on the surface of the skin, creating raised, inflamed patches covered with silvery scales.
Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from another person through touch or close contact.
There are several types of psoriasis, with plaque psoriasis being the most common.
Common Symptoms of Psoriasis
Symptoms vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe.
Common signs include:
- Red, raised patches of skin
- Silvery-white scales
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Itching, burning or soreness
- Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
- Flaking of the scalp
- Skin that becomes painful during flare-ups
- Cracked skin around joints
- Symptoms that come and go over time
Some people experience only small patches, while others have symptoms affecting larger areas of the body.
Psoriasis Can Affect More Than Your Skin
Living with psoriasis can affect many aspects of life.
Many people experience:
- Reduced confidence and self-esteem
- Anxiety or depression
- Frustration during flare-ups
- Difficulty sleeping due to itching
- Discomfort at work or during exercise
- Worry about other people’s reactions to visible symptoms
- Social withdrawal
The emotional impact is just as real as the physical symptoms.
What Triggers Psoriasis?
Although the exact cause isn’t fully understood, flare-ups can often be triggered by:
- Emotional stress
- Illness or infections
- Skin injuries or cuts
- Cold, dry weather
- Certain medications
- Smoking
- Excess alcohol
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of sleep
Understanding your own triggers can help reduce the frequency or severity of flare-ups.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Around 1 in 3 people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the joints.
Symptoms can include:
- Joint pain
- Morning stiffness
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Reduced movement
- Heel pain
- Lower back pain
If you have psoriasis and develop joint symptoms, speak with your GP or healthcare professional.
Looking After Your Skin
Simple daily habits can make a difference.
Helpful self-care includes:
- Moisturising your skin regularly
- Using fragrance-free skincare products where possible
- Avoiding scratching affected areas
- Identifying personal triggers
- Eating a balanced diet
- Staying active
- Managing stress
- Getting enough sleep
- Following any treatment plan recommended by your healthcare team
Can Complementary Therapies Help?
Complementary therapies are not a cure for psoriasis, but many people find they help improve their overall wellbeing while living with a long-term condition. They should be used alongside, rather than instead of, medical care.
At Acorn Natural Health Centre, we offer a range of therapies that may help support people living with psoriasis throughout their journey.
Homeopathy – Jadwiga James
Homeopathy is tailored to the individual rather than the diagnosis. Some people choose homeopathy as part of their wider wellbeing plan to support their overall health.
Nutritional Therapy – Jan Cooper
Nutrition can play an important role in overall health. A personalised nutritional assessment may help identify dietary patterns and support a balanced approach to eating.
Counselling – Ranjana Mitra
Living with a visible skin condition can affect confidence, relationships and mental wellbeing. Counselling provides a safe, confidential space to explore these challenges.
EMDR – Sally Race
For people whose psoriasis has significantly affected confidence, self-image or emotional wellbeing, EMDR may help process distressing experiences and reduce their emotional impact where appropriate.
Reiki – Anne-Marie Walker
Many people use Reiki to encourage deep relaxation and reduce stress, which some individuals identify as one of their flare-up triggers.
Tailored Massage – Anne-Marie Walker, George Timby, Kaylea Morley, Laura Kirkman
Gentle massage may help reduce muscular tension, promote relaxation and provide valuable time for self-care, adapted to individual comfort and needs.
When Should You See a GP?
Seek medical advice if:
- You develop a persistent rash that doesn’t improve.
- Your symptoms are becoming worse.
- Your skin becomes painful or infected.
- You develop swollen or painful joints.
- Psoriasis is affecting your daily life or emotional wellbeing.
Early assessment can help you access the most appropriate treatment and support.
You’re Not Alone
Living with psoriasis can sometimes feel isolating, but support is available. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been managing psoriasis for years, reaching out for help can make a real difference.
This Psoriasis Awareness Month, take time to learn about the condition, support someone living with psoriasis, and help challenge the misconceptions surrounding this common autoimmune disease.
How Acorn Natural Health Centre Can Support You
Alongside your medical care, our practitioners offer complementary therapies designed to support your overall wellbeing.
Our team includes:
- Jadwiga James – Homeopathy
- Jan Cooper – Nutritional Therapy
- Ranjana Mitra – Counselling
- Sally Race – EMDR
- Anne-Marie Walker – Reiki
- Anne-Marie Walker, George Timby, Kaylea Morley, Laura Kirkman – Tailored Massage Treatments
If you’d like to learn more about our therapies, we’re happy to discuss which options may be suitable for your individual circumstances.
Contact Acorn Natural Health Centre
Acorn Natural Health Centre
17A Market Place
Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7AA
Telephone: 01773 687349
Email: hello@acornnaturalhealth.co.uk
Website: www.acornnaturalhealth.co.uk
