Psoriasis Awareness Month: Understanding Your Skin, Finding Real Relief

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, and at Frontier Dermatology, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. Psoriasis affects nearly 8 million people in the United States — that’s millions of neighbors here in Washington and Oregon navigating itchy, scaly, sometimes painful skin, often without realizing how much better things could be. If you or someone you love is living with psoriasis, this month is the perfect time to learn more about psoriasis treatment and take the next step toward lasting relief.

What Is Psoriasis, Exactly?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition, not just “dry skin.” In people with psoriasis, the immune system sends faulty signals that cause skin cells to grow much faster than normal. Instead of shedding gradually, those cells pile up on the surface, forming the raised, scaly patches — called plaques — that most people associate with the condition.

Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, often appearing on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. But psoriasis can also show up in less expected places, like the nails, palms, soles of the feet, and skin folds. And one thing worth repeating during Awareness Month: psoriasis is not contagious. You can’t catch it or pass it along.

It’s also more than skin deep. Roughly 30% of people with psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, which can cause joint pain, stiffness, and permanent damage if left untreated. Psoriasis is also linked to systemic inflammation associated with heart disease, diabetes, and depression — which is why treating it is about protecting your whole health, not just clearing your skin.

What Triggers a Flare?

Every patient’s psoriasis behaves a little differently, but common triggers include stress, infections (like strep throat), skin injuries, certain medications, and weather. Here in the Pacific Northwest, many of our patients notice flares when the seasons shift — cooler temperatures, indoor heating, and less sunlight can all dry the skin and stir things up. Identifying your personal triggers is one of the most valuable things you and your dermatology provider can do together.

Psoriasis Treatment Has Come a Long Way

If you were told years ago that you’d ‘just have to live with it,’ we have good news: psoriasis treatment has changed dramatically. Today’s options include:

• Topical treatments — medicated creams and ointments that calm inflammation and slow skin cell growth, often the first step for mild psoriasis.
• Phototherapy — carefully controlled doses of ultraviolet light delivered in-office, a time-tested option for widespread psoriasis (and especially helpful during our darker Northwest months).
• Oral medications — systemic treatments that work from the inside out for moderate-to-severe cases.
• Biologics — the biggest breakthrough in modern psoriasis care. With more than 10 FDA-approved biologic therapies now available, these targeted medications quiet the specific parts of the immune system driving psoriasis, and many patients achieve clear or nearly clear skin.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and there’s no cure yet — but with the right plan, psoriasis can be managed so well that it stops managing you.

Hear From Our Team

Want a deeper look at how biologics are changing psoriasis treatment? In this short video, Dr. Song shares how Frontier Dermatology’s biologics and research program is helping patients achieve clearer skin — and what that progress means for the future of care.

Why See a Dermatologist?

Psoriasis is frequently misdiagnosed or under-treated, and studies show people of color are especially likely to be misdiagnosed, since psoriasis can look different on different skin tones. A board-certified dermatologist can confirm your diagnosis, screen for psoriatic arthritis, and build a treatment plan that fits your life, your goals, and your insurance.

That’s where we come in. With 100+ expert providers and 40+ locations across Washington and Oregon, Frontier Dermatology brings research-driven psoriasis treatment — including access to the latest biologic therapies — right to your home community. We accept a wide range of insurance carriers, because we believe advanced care should also be accessible care.

Take the First Step This August

Psoriasis Awareness Month is about more than facts — it’s about action. If you’ve been putting off care, or your current treatment isn’t giving you the results you deserve, let’s talk.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT at your nearest Frontier Dermatology location and discover how comfortable your skin can be.