Psoriasis Action Month: Turning Awareness Into Meaningful Care for People on Medicare

Every August, we observe Psoriasis Action Month. This month helps people learn more about psoriasis and why it is important to get care. Psoriasis is a long-term disease caused by the immune system. It affects much more than your skin.

Psoriasis can make it harder to sleep, move around, and enjoy daily life. It can also affect your feelings and even your finances. For people with Medicare, especially beneficiaries with other health problems, this is a good time to learn about psoriasis and get the care they need.

What Is Psoriasis Action Month?

Psoriasis Action Month encourages people to learn about psoriasis, get diagnosed early, and find the right treatment. It reminds people that they do not have to “just live with it.”

Psoriasis happens when the immune system makes skin cells grow too fast. This causes thick, red, scaly patches on the skin that may itch, crack, or bleed. Today, doctors know that psoriasis is a disease that can affect the whole body, not just the skin.

During Psoriasis Action Month, experts remind us that:

  • Millions of adults in the United States have psoriasis, including many older adults.
  • People with psoriasis may have a higher chance of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression.
  • Psoriatic arthritis can damage the joints if it is not treated early.

The goal of Psoriasis Action Month is to help people get care sooner, learn about treatment choices, and create a plan that supports their overall health.

Psoriasis Is More Than a Skin Problem

Psoriasis often causes thick, red patches with silvery scales. These patches may appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, or nails, but they can show up almost anywhere on the body.

Some people have only a few patches, while others have symptoms over larger areas. Symptoms may get better for a while and then flare up again. Stress, infections, some medicines, skin injuries, and weather changes can all trigger flare-ups.

Common types of psoriasis include:

  • Plaque psoriasis, which causes raised, scaly patches
  • Guttate psoriasis, which causes small, drop-shaped spots
  • Inverse and pustular psoriasis, which can be painful and swollen
  • Nail psoriasis, which may cause dents, color changes, or nails to separate from the nail bed

Psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot catch it from someone else.

Even so, people with psoriasis may feel embarrassed or worried because others do not understand the condition. Many people plan what they wear or avoid certain activities because of their symptoms.

Psoriasis is a lifelong disease that can affect your health, your confidence, and your relationships.

Extra Challenges for Older Adults

Many older adults with psoriasis also have other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Taking care of several conditions at the same time can be difficult.

Some common challenges include:

  • Keeping track of different medicines and treatments
  • A higher risk of heart disease because of long-term inflammation
  • Joint pain and tiredness, especially if psoriatic arthritis is present

Psoriasis Action Month is a good time for members and caregivers to consider whether all their healthcare providers are working together. When care is well coordinated, it can make appointments easier, reduce extra treatments, and improve quality of life.

How Healthy Mississippi, Inc. Can Help

There are now more treatment options for psoriasis than ever before. Some treatments target the immune system and can help control symptoms.

For people with Medicare, getting the care they need often depends on their health plan.

A Medicare Advantage plan may help by:

  • Giving access to dermatologists, rheumatologists, and primary care providers
  • Covering treatments such as creams, medicines, and biologic drugs when they are medically needed
  • Providing mental health services for people dealing with the emotional effects of psoriasis
  • Offering wellness and preventive care that supports heart health and overall well-being

Healthy Mississippi, Inc. designs benefits to help members manage conditions like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Learning about your health plan and understanding your benefits can make it easier to get the care you need. With the right information and support, Psoriasis Action Month can help you take positive steps toward better health.

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