Additionally, up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints. People with mild psoriasis are just as likely to develop psoriatic arthritis as those with moderate or severe forms of the disease.

The National Psoriasis Foundation urges people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to work with their dermatologists to find an appropriate treatment regimen to help manage their disease.

The organization also encourages patients to pay careful attention to their joints and to see a doctor if they experience tenderness or pain over tendons, swollen fingers or toes, changes to the nails such as pitting, or morning stiffness or tiredness, which could indicate the onset of psoriatic arthritis.

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month and the National Psoriasis Foundation is working to raise awareness about the physical, social and emotional impact of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

www.psoriasis