October 29: World Psoriasis day

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. These patches, also called lesions, may flare up on any part of the skin and are of various kinds. The clear message that has to be spread among everyone is that psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be contaminated through touching a person having psoriasis, in swimming pool or even by close contact.

It is believed that the cause of psoriasis is probably related to the immune system of the body and to some extent, genetic in nature. Psoriasis can be either moderate or severe when they become widespread. Psoriasis lesions can be painful and itchy once they crack and bleed. It has to be noticed with sympathy that psoriasis is a life long disease and as yet, there is no permanent cure to it.

Many people believe that Dead Sea salt, fish oil, grape seed oil are a cure to psoriasis, effectively. But they have not been proved so far. It has been estimated that around 125 million people suffer from psoriasis world wide, around 7.5 million in U.S. alone.

Since people who are affected by psoriasis undergo physical and emotional burden, there was a compelling need to bring all such people under one roof and thus, World Psoriasis Day was founded four years ago and observed on October 29th every year.

This global event is presented by International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA). The members meet regularly to discuss the vital issues that are related and affecting the psoriasis community.


Main aims of Psoriasis day:


The main objectives of World Psoriasis Day are to bring awareness among people that psoriasis is not contagious so that such people are not discarded by the society and are not given a step-motherly treatment. Secondly, even within among themselves, the psoriatic patients must be aware that they are not alone in this world and their brethren are there to offer support, emotionally.

Another aim is to improve access to treatment and encourage all those who are responsible for the care, allow the sufferers gain access to the best treatment. When an understanding is achieved and ignorance alleviated, the disease can be openly discussed with confidence. Also, it is crucial to build unity among the psoriasis community so that they can voice their concern in unison.

World Psoriasis Day is made a huge success by including a lot of events and a range of activities in their member countries. Some of them are distribution of leaflets and post cards and activities such as roller skating, TV programs and interviews on psoriasis, music events, street walks and other awareness activities.


Author: Chandra (Chennai)

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Psoriasis patients are at high risk for chronic diseases

People who are suffering from severe form of Psoriasis are at greater risk for chronic diseases, according to latest research. These people more likely get heart diseases and diabetes in their later life. This research study was published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology. Researchers are recommending regular screening for diabetes and heart diseases for these patients. Recent studies highlighted the increase in incidence of Diabetes in Psoriasis patients.

Diseases associated with Psoriasis:

1. Depression: Most common due to low self-esteem.
2. Cancer.
3. Arthritis: Common in severe form.
4. High Blood pressure and cardio vascular disease especially Myocardial Infarction.
5. Diabetes.
6. Obesity.
7. Immunological diseases.

What should you do:

1. Regular screening tests.
2. Regular exercise.
3. Reduction in weight.
4. Stay away from sedentary lifestyle and junk foods.
5. Stay away from smoking and alcoholism.
6. If necessary, consult a psychiatrist.

Never underestimate the impact of Psoriasis on social life of a patient.

Psoriasis: Definition, types, causes, Symptoms

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, non-contagious skin disease which is an immune mediated genetic disease. Psoriasis is characterised by itching, scaly plaques and redness. Psoriasis occurs due to increase in cell turnover due to decrease in mature period of deep skin cells.

Age: Generally occurs in the 15-35 age and incidence is equal in both males and females. Second peak occurs in 55-60 years.

Types of Psoriasis:

1. Plaque Psoriasis – Most common type of Psoriasis.
2. Guttate Psoriasis.
3. Pustular Psoriasis.
4. Inverse Psoriasis- severe form and common in obese people.
5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis-Severe form.
6. Scalp Psoriasis.
7. Nail Psoriasis.
8. Psoriatic Arthritis.

Psoriasis causes: Scientists found certain genes that cause Psoriasis.

1. Family history.
2. Immunosuppressive drugs.
3. Dry skin.
4. Stress- It is the major trigger for Psoriasis in modern life.
5. Drugs like beta-blockers, Lithium, iodides, pain killers and Anti-malarials may cause Psoriasis. 6. Skin injury.
7. Cold weather.
8. Streptococcal infection.
9. Smoking and alcohol.
10. Hormonal changes.

Psoriasis Signs and Symptoms:

1. Silvery scales.
2. Redness and increase in skin thickness at the affected site.
3. Itching and discomfort.
4. More than 90% of Psoriasis patients have plaques.
5. Knees and elbows are the most affected areas.
6. Nails and joints are affected in severe cases.

Psoriasis Statistics:

Around 7.5 million Americans are diagnosed with Psoriasis. Most affected area in the world is Northern Europe. 2-3% of world population is affected by Psoriasis. According to estimates, more than 120 million people are suffering from this chronic skin disease.

Psoriasis Complications:

1. 20-30% of Psoriasis patients develop Psoriatic Arthritis.

2. According to recent study, people with severe form of Psoriasis will have short life span. This research study was published in the Archives of Dermatology. Severe Psoriasis may reduce life span by 2-3 years.

3. Quality of life is severely affected.

4. Psychological symptoms like depression may occur in severe cases.

Click here to enter National Psoriasis Foundation.