Karnataka - Bangalore   

More than just a cosmetic problem

BANGALORE: It is not just a cosmetic issue. There is more to psoriasis than just skin problems and there is a need to disseminate the right information and create awareness about the disorder, say skin specialists.

On World Psoriasis Day (October 29), the focus is on removing misconceptions and spreading awareness about Psoriasis.

According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA), psoriasis is far from being just a mere cosmetic problem and can increase the risk of developing heart disease and other serious health conditions. Most of all, people who are affected by psoriasis suffer from the stigma and discrimination associated with the disorder, specifically because of misinformation. The pain and embarrassment that a lot of people experience can lead to depression and social isolation.

Psoriasis is a disease in which the skin cells go haywire. A healthy skin renews itself in about 30 days, the time it takes for a new cell to work its way from the innermost layer of skin to the surface. In psoriasis, it fast-forwards itself to emerge in about three days. The result is raised areas of skin called plaques, which are red and often itchy.

“Psoriasis is a common condition and in India; one to two per cent of the population may get the disease. Many times, when the lesions are on a part of the body which is covered by clothing, it is difficult to others to know that the person is suffering from the skin problem. But if it is visible, then the affected person may face embarrassment and discrimination as some people ignorant of the disease may not want to touch them,” said V. Sudhamayee, consultant dermatologist.

Psoriasis is caused by imbalance in the immune system and is therefore not contagious. There are five types and around 10 to 30 per cent of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called “psoriatic arthritis,” which causes inflammation of the joints. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis and affects 80 per cent of those with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis, which appears as patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery white scale.

These patches, or plaques, frequently form on the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp. However, the plaques can occur anywhere on the body.

The other types are guttate psoriasis (small, red spots on the skin), pustular psoriasis (white pustules surrounded by red skin), inverse psoriasis (smooth, red lesions form in skin folds), and erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread redness, severe itching, and pain).

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