Let’s Talk Psoriasis: What You Didn’t Know About This Common Yet Misunderstood Skin Condition

August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, and if you’re sitting there thinking, “Wait… what even is psoriasis?”—you’re not alone. Turns out, more than 7.5 million Americans (yep, that’s over 3% of adults!) live with this autoimmune skin condition. And yet, it’s still wildly misunderstood. So let’s break it down, shall we?

At its core, psoriasis is not just a “skin issue.” It’s an autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches—most often on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. It can be itchy, painful, and emotionally exhausting. And spoiler alert: it’s absolutely not contagious. (No, Janet, you’re not going to “catch it” from borrowing someone’s towel.)

One Woman’s Journey to Relief

If anyone gets the frustration of living with psoriasis, it’s Deanna Wallin. A former nurse and now the founder and CEO of Naples Soap Company, Deanna struggled for years to find something—anything—that didn’t make her symptoms worse. So she did what brilliant women do when faced with a problem: she fixed it herself.

Deanna leaned into natural, evidence-based ingredients and developed a whole skincare line, including natural soap, that actually works for people with sensitive skin and chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Think calming sea salt soaps, long-lasting moisturizers, and hypoallergenic creams—all packed with skin-loving botanicals like:

• Aloe Vera (hello, hydration)
• Pennywort (anti-inflammatory and soothing)
• Bladderwrack (yes, it’s a seaweed, and yes, it’s magic)
• Coconut Oil (hydrating and antimicrobial)
• Oat Kernel Flour (the OG calming agent)

Oh, and did we mention her products are free from parabens and harsh preservatives? Because they are. And your skin deserves that.

Their bars of soap? Divine. This is the natural soap you’ve been searching for.

Real Talk: What You Should Know About Psoriasis

Let’s bust a few myths and share a few facts while we’re here:

• Psoriasis is NOT contagious. Seriously. Stop side-eyeing people.
• Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, showing up as raised, red patches with silvery-white scales (aka dead skin buildup).
• Diet can help. Researchers recommend lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. Pizza is not a food group, sorry. Sugar and candida overgrowth can contribute.
• Smoking makes it worse. Another reason to quit, if you needed one.
• Psoriasis is linked to bigger health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
• Men and women develop it at the same rate. Equality, but make it annoying.
• One-third of people with psoriasis have a family history of it.
• Psoriasis lesions = NOT infectious. Not. Even. A little.

Why This Matters

Living with psoriasis can be isolating—physically and emotionally. People stare. People ask invasive questions. People assume you don’t moisturize (ugh). But with more awareness, more compassion, and more access to products that actually help, we can change the conversation.

If you or someone you love is living with psoriasis, check out Naples Soap Company. Deanna’s got your back (and your arms, legs, and elbows too).

Natural Soap That Actually Works

Let’s be honest—most “natural” soaps out there either smell like a lavender-scented disappointment or leave your skin feeling drier than your sense of humor during allergy season. But Naples Soap Company? Game-changer. Their soap is the real deal: rich lather, gentle ingredients, and soothing botanicals that leave your skin feeling soft, calm, and nourished—not tight or irritated. Whether you’re managing psoriasis, eczema, or just have ridiculously sensitive skin (hi, same), this is the kind of soap you’ll actually look forward to using every day. It’s skincare that feels like self-care.

Learn more at the National Psoriasis Foundation and don’t be afraid to speak up, share your story, or ask for help. You’re not alone.

And remember: Kindness is free. Flare-ups are not. Choose wisely.