Anyone can get psoriasis. Even the top models.
During Psoriasis Awareness month a couple of years ago one of Canada’s top models came out to reveal that she has psoriasis.
Stacey McKenzie has been modeling for 15 years and is a former Canada’s Next Top Model Judge.
“It’s (psoriasis) been one thing in my life that I never put out there because I was actually embarrassed by it and I was afraid I would lose out on a lot of job opportunities like I’ve had in the past,” says McKenzie who has a milder form of psoriasis called Plaque Psoriasis.
“I’m speaking about it now because I want people to be aware of it and also we are not all perfect – we all have flaws, but it’s all about what you’re going to do with that flaw, you’re either going to own that flaw or you’re going to let it control you, or own you and I’m not going to let psoriasis own me.”
Psoriasis Facts
People hide their psoriasis for many different reasons and as a result the general population have limited awareness of the condition. Most people have no idea just how common it is or what sort of an impact it can have on a person’s life.
Below are some basic facts I read on the Psoriasis.org website:
- Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S., affecting as many as 7.5 million Americans. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells, resulting in painful red, scaly patches on the body that bleed and itch.
- Psoriasis is not contagious.
- Psoriasis frequently occurs with a range of other health concerns including diabetes, hypertension, heart attack and depression.
- Psoriasis impacts the emotions. Nearly 70% of people with psoriasis say their disease makes them feel self-conscious, embarrassed and helpless.
- Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints.
- There currently is no cure for psoriasis.
(Taken from the Psoriasis.org website:
http://www.psoriasis.org/netcommunity/events/psoriasis-awareness-month)