August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month.  The goal is to increase the public’s awareness of the disease, educate the public, and dispel myths about psoriasis.  The National Psoriasis Foundation conducted a survey of patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and these were the responses:

• 71% identified psoriasis as a huge problem in their daily lives
• More than 50% report that psoriasis affects their emotional well-being
• 48% say psoriasis makes them uncomfortable in public
• 52% say they don’t go to public swimming pools because of psoriasis
• 37% reported avoiding social activities

For children, psoriasis has not only a physical impact, but also an emotional one that they may not be well equipped to handle.  Sadly, nearly 50% of children with psoriasis report they’ve been bullied by their peers as a result of their skin disease, and in those children there are effects from anxiety, social isolation, and in severe cases a decline in academic performance at school.

Treatment of psoriasis with the XTRAC laser has shown promising results for both adults and children.  The XTRAC laser (an excimer laser) is a clinically proven treatment for psoriasis cleared by the FDA, and it has proven to provide safe and effective results. Some patients have seen a significant improvement in their affected areas in 6-10 sessions.  Most major insurance companies cover XTRAC laser treatments.  At West Houston Dermatology we offer XTRAC laser treatments for adults and children with psoriasis.  If your child is self-conscious about going back to school because of his/her psoriasis, then contact West Houston Dermatology for an appointment.  Stephen Mahoney, M.D. is an authority on the treatment and management of psoriasis in both adults and children.