Psoriasis In Jennifer Hawkins

Jennifer Hawkins is a 43 year old woman and has suffered with psoriasis for 26 years. Psoriasis is an immune skin disease that speeds up the skin cell growth cycle causing lesions, pain and itching, flakey scales, thick red patches, and rashes typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and face. Although, Jennifer clearly states, “There is hardly an inch on my body where you can not see a spot of psoriasis” (Hawkins, Jennifer). Although the recurring skin disease is said to be genetic, Jennifer has tracked her family history and cannot find a specific tie to psoriasis itself, only other autoimmune diseases that identify themselves in a different form (“Psoriasis,” Funk and Wagnalls). In order to create awareness of the different types of
Climate changes, certain infections, stress, skin irritation, abrasion, and the use of certain drugs and medications can cause these flare-ups (“Psoriasis,” Funk and Wagnalls; “Psoriasis,” Centers for Disease and Control). This disease can be confused with many other skin diseases so it is important to recognize the medications and treatments used for types of psoriasis. Many medications can be used to treat psoriasis, the interesting part is that all autoimmune diseases, no matter what type, are treated with the same medication. Although, these medications are not always safe.The treatments ultimately depend on how much body area is affected. Specialist prescribe medications such as methotrexate, corticosteroids, retinoids, and dovenez. They also prescribe treatments like phototherapy and cannabis salves (“Psoriasis,” Funk and Wagnalls). It is vital to learn the differences between the medications and treatments and how they affect a person's
rays, resulting in a vitamin D deficiency. Jennifer has developed liver disease, due to long uses of corticosteroids and retinoids (Hawkins, Jennifer). Jennifer says, as she is almost in tears over the recollection of the pain these drugs have caused her over the years, “It is a vicious cycle.” Although, medications such as, Dovonex, had zero side effects but Jennifer had to reuse the cream constantly throughout the day to keep the flare-ups to a minimum. Jennifer has passed down the disease to one out of four of her children (“Psoriasis” Funk and Wagnalls; Hawkins,