Psoriasis: The points to be noted, writes Dr. Kinnor Das

Psoriasis is a skin disease which is estimated to affect around 2-3% of global population. It is a public health botheration due to its long-term persistence and flare ups at intervals. World psoriasis day is celebrated on 29th October every year to raise awareness regarding psoriasis. The theme for 2020’s World Psoriasis day is “Informed”. The information is for the awareness of not only for the patients but for the general population as well.

Here are some of the basic facts that must be known to the masses for raising awareness to avoid the social discrimination and better well-being of the patient who are suffering from psoriasis.

What is psoriasis and How does psoriasis look like?
The word “psoriasis” is derived from Greek word psora which means “itch”. Psoriasis is a skin disease which is caused due to increased turnover/growth of the skin. As a result, it causes reddish elevated lesions with whitish flakes, mainly over the bony prominences and scalp. The skin lesions are associated with itching and occasionally pain. The effect of psoriasis is not limited to skin, it is associated with changes in other organs as well.

Which other organs are affected in psoriasis?
Besides skin, psoriasis can involve nails and joints. Psoriasis is also associated with hyper tension and other cardiovascular and metabolic anomalies. Psoriasis also effects the mental well-being of an individual leading to social isolation and depression and other psychiatric problems. Due to lack of efficiency at work, many working hours are lost which leads to the financial burden.

How do we get psoriasis and do psoriasis spread from person to person?
Psoriasis is caused due to a complex interplay between genetic makeup and external environment. Both of these

What aggravates psoriasis?
Smoking, alcohol, emotional and physical distress in the form of infection or injury, winter season and some type of medications can aggravate psoriasis.

What are the life style modification which should be taken up by psoriasis patients?
Regular exercise ang yoga, weight reduction, balanced diet, abstinence from smoking and alcohol, regular use of moisturizer, adequate sleep and breathing exercises to allay anxiety.

How is psoriasis treated?
The treatment of psoriasis depends on the degree of involvement. Wide range of treatment options are available for treatment like topical formulations, oral immunomodulators, phototherapy etc. But it is important for the people to get it treated by certified dermatologists. Incorrect treatment can lead to flare ups and make the disease unstable. Many a times, due to improper treatment patient land up with whole body involvement and skin failure which can have far reaching adverse consequences.

Can psoriasis be cured?
NO, psoriasis cannot be cured. However, if patients get appropriate treatment and they follow a healthy lifestyle, psoriasis can be kept under control.

So, on this psoriasis day be informed and spread the awareness because awareness is contagious, not psoriasis.

(Dr. Kinnor Das is MD, Dermatologist, Silchar)