Psoriasis is not an uncommon skin disease. It affects millions of people across the world. August marks Psoriasis Awareness Month. The perpetual inflammation in the skin results in red, thick and scaly plaques. It can affect the scalp, limbs, back, creases, palms, soles, nails or even the whole body.
Why misconceptions and misinformation people have related to psoriasis?
• Psoriasis is not infectious or contagious; a lot of people assume it is so and this misconception can have a debilitating impact on the social, psychological well being due to isolation.
• Psoriasis is not limited to skin, joints are affected in around 1/3rd and other systemic inflammatory disorders do coexist including depression, atherosclerotic disease, obesity, insulin resistance etc. It is regarded as a disease of systemic inflammation.
• It is not just a temporary skin rash, oftentimes it is a chronic, systemic condition and the family and community should be aware of this.
• There are a lot of very effective treatments for psoriasis and this knowledge and awareness should help friends and family to support the patients get the treatment that they deserve.
• Psoriasis can appear in different forms in different people and can be confusing even for a health worker, so self-diagnosis should not be attempted in this case.
WHAT CAN WE DO FOR TREATING PSORIASIS?
Many treatments are available; the treatment choice is made, depending on the severity of the disease, the cost and convenience of the treatment, and a person’s response to the treatment. Psoriasis treatments work by decreasing skin development, regulating the immunological response that causes psoriasis, or a combination of the two. Treatment options include creams and ointments, tablets, and injections. Psoriasis can potentially benefit from a type of light therapy known as “phototherapy.” In moderate-severe psoriasis, modern therapeutic options include “targeted therapy” or “biologics,” which have very good efficacy with fewer side effects. Often, a mix of therapy is suggested.
HERE ARE FEW THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME
• Daily bathing – removes scales and calms inflamed skin. Can add bath oil, colloidal oatmeal to the bath.
• Keep the skin moisturised – keeping skin soft and moist can minimise itching and tenderness. Moisturisers, such as petroleum jelly or thick creams, are available over-the-counter and should be applied shortly after washing or showering. Can we use it one to three times daily?
• Avoid psoriasis triggers – Smoking, consuming alcohol, infections, injuries to the skin, stress can all worsen psoriasis. Consuming alcohol also interferes with many psoriasis medications.
• Sun exposure – is good in limited amounts, intense sun exposure or sunburn can cause exacerbation.
• The role of dietary interventions in treating psoriasis has been unclear. Experts recommend that people with psoriasis who are overweight or obese reduce the number of calories they consume to try to lose weight, eating a nutritious, balanced diet is recommended.
• Strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate exercise.
The writer is a Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Amrita Hospitals, Kochi.
