Psoriasis- More Than Just A Skin Disease!

KARACHI - In light of the International Psoriasis Day, which is globally marked on the 29th  of October, an informative session was recently held in Karachi, where renowned dermatologists shed light on this skin disease and its complications.

It was revealed that, Psoriasis can drastically affect the everyday lives of patients. Currently, it has more than 125 million victims worldwide.

As per Pakistan Psoriasis Foundation’s report, it was stated that according to the analysis of a survey data from 5,000 psoriasis patients, 20% of women compared to only 12 % of men, complained that psoriasis was a massive problem in their everyday lives. In addition, approximately 60 % of women mentioned that psoriasis interferes with their ability to enjoy life, as compared to only 52 % of men. Overall, women showed greater difficulty in dealing with the psychological and social issues brought about by having psoriasis.

Dermatologist Dr Fauzia Farid explained that, Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease clinically characterized by raised, inflamed and scaly red skin lesions that crack and itch.

“Psoriasis sufferers feel that people in general, including doctors, underestimate the overall impact the disease has on their lives. It is evident that the disease burden of psoriasis extends beyond the physical symptoms experienced by the patient,” she added.

She urged the health professionals and general public to not disregard the impact of this skin disorder, as they can severely affect the mental wellbeing of patients.

Moreover, she explained that Psoriasis could also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Almost 10 to 15 percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis. The risk for diabetes mellitus also rises substantially in patients with psoriasis, with a 62% increase in risk noted in patients with severe psoriasis. Early cardiovascular deaths have also been reported in psoriatic patients.

Furthermore, it was revealed by Dr. Fauzia that Psoriasis has a bimodal age of disease onset. The first peak may occur around the age of 20, whereas the second peak occurs at 60. Around one-third of patients are under the age of 18 years.

Statistically, childhood obesity is considered amongst one of the prevalent factors of this disease. Psoriasis is also said to have a genetic basis, as 23.4% to 71% of children show family history of this skin condition.