1. What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease related to the immune system, affecting about 2-3 percent of Malaysians (similar to worldwide statistics). It is a condition that results in localised or extensive inflamed scaly skin lesions that can affect any part of the skin. It frequently occurs on the scalp, elbows, knees and shins. In a person with psoriasis, the skin immune system is altered and chemical messengers derived from activated white cells (T-cells) speed up the growth cycle of skin cells; instead of shedding, the cells pile up and form thickened scales on the skin surface. The severity of psoriasis varies from person to person; for most people, psoriasis tends to be mild.
2. What are psoriasis symptoms?
Below are some psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis symptoms. If you have experienced any of them, please consult your dermatologist (Refer to list of clinics and general hospitals provided):
Psoriasis
Red, scaly skin patches with sharply defined edges
Lesions that occur most commonly on both elbows or both knees, the scalp, and the cleft of the buttocks
Lesions that appear at sites of injuries to the skin
Changes in fingernails or toenails, such as pitting, loosening, or thickening
Psoriatic Arthritis
Joint pain, especially with redness, swelling, and tenderness
Morning stiffness
3. How do I determine if I suffer from psoriasis?
Psoriasis is often misdiagnosed by patients, pharmacists and doctors as dandruff, ringworm or eczema.)
No special blood tests or diagnostic tools exist to diagnose psoriasis. The physician or dermatologist usually examines the affected skin and decides if psoriasis is the cause. It is very seldom that the physician needs to examines a piece of skin (biopsy) under the microscope. 4. How does psoriasis impact a person’s life?
Psoriasis can affect people in different ways – emotionally, socially as well as physically. People with psoriasis have to cope not only with the disease, but also people’s reaction to it. Depression is common among people who suffer from psoriasis.
Skin lesions may make the person feel unattractive, and some may feel ashamed of their bodies. Some have difficulty interacting with co-workers and even family members and friends because of the appearance of their skin. Some stay home to avoid social situations. Psoriasis can have a strong negative impact on their lives.
5. Is psoriasis contagious?
No, psoriasis is not contagious. Psoriatic lesions may look like infections or open wounds, but they are not. It is not something you can "catch" or "pass on." People with psoriasis do not pose a health or safety threat to others. 6. Who is likely to get psoriasis?
Psoriasis may run in families. Usually, psoriasis appears in individuals between the ages of 15 and 35, but can develop at any age. Approximately 10-15 percent of those with psoriasis get it before age ten. There have been rare cases of infants having psoriasis.
7. Are there ‘triggers’ for psoriasis?Yes, there are triggers but they vary from person to person. Triggers can include physical injuries or infections, certain medicines, and emotional stress. Stress can cause psoriasis to flare for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis. Psoriasis can also be triggered in areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatized. This is known as the "Koebner phenomenon." Vaccinations, sunburns and scratches can all trigger a Koebner response. The Koebner response can be treated if it is caught early enough. Certain medications, like antimalarial drugs, lithium and certain beta-blockers, are also known to cause people's psoriasis to flare.
8. Is there a cure for psoriasis?
Currently, psoriasis is not curable. Once triggered, psoriasis is a lifelong condition that often waxes and wanes in severity. Quality of life for a person with psoriasis can be improved with early diagnosis, so that the symptoms can be managed from the start.9. Will a person with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis?
Only about 10-30 percent of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. This affects the joints of the fingers and toes and may involve the neck, lower back, knees and ankles. In severe cases, if not treated, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling and cause irreversible damage to joints. 10. What are the treatments available for psoriasis?
There are many different treatments available to people with psoriasis: topical (applied directly to the skin), ultraviolet light (also called phototherapy) and systemic drug therapy (including biologics, a new form of injectable treatment ). Treatments may help improve the skin, but the underlying condition can cause flare-ups if treatment is discontinued. People often need to try out different treatments before they find what works best for them.
11. What questions about treatment can I ask my doctor?
What treatments are available?
Why have you chosen this particular treatment for my condition?
Can I use other medications while I am taking this treatment?
How long will it take to see results?
How will you monitor my progress on this treatment?
What will happen it I stop using this treatment?
Does this treatment have any side effects?
Can I take this medication if I am trying to get pregnant?
12. What can a person with psoriasis do to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
Exercise regularly and get as much rest as you need. Exercise and rest help maintain your health and reduce stress.
Eat a healthy diet and avoid excessive alcohol.
Reduce stress with relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing.
Keep a diary to pinpoint situations, places, or events that trigger your stress.
Understanding your triggers can empower you to avoid flares and help make psoriasis more manageable.
13. How can psoriasis sufferers help others understand their condition?
Learn as much as you can. The more you know about psoriasis, the better you can explain it.
Teach people the facts about your condition. For example, tell them it is not contagious and that there is currently no cure.
Being open and honest will go a long way toward keeping your relationships healthy.
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Remember to laugh. A good sense of humour helps relieve stress. .
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