Some chronic illnesses
may not be obvious, as most affect internal systems of the body, but in the case of
skin diseases, the situation
differs. This is the case of psoriasis, which affects approximately 3 percent
with the world population. It is a relatively uncommon condition, and people
suffering from it may face hardships, not only because of the disease itself,
but also because of society.
اضافة اعلان
The National
Psoriasis Foundation dubbed August Psoriasis Awareness Month in order to spread
awareness about the condition and support those living with it.
What is psoriasis?
Normally, skin grows and dies in a steady process over the course of a
month. But this chronic dermatologic autoimmune condition leads the body to
mistake normal,
healthy skin cells for invaders. This causes the skin to
multiply at a rate 10 times greater than usual. The overproduction leads to
buildup and stops the skin from falling off naturally. Thick, red patches with
white scales that are prone to cracking and subsequent bleeding form on the
skin. While most commonly seen on joints, such as knees and elbows, psoriasis
can develop on the scalp, lower back, hands, feet, neck, face, and, in rarer
instances, nails and mouth. It is an incurable, life-long condition, but proper
management can control symptoms and manifestations, and reduce the number of
flare-ups.
Types
Psoriasis typically makes an appearance in young adulthood and usually
affects a few areas. There are currently five recognized types of psoriasis:
The most common
type, present in an estimated 80 to 90 percent of all cases, plaque psoriasis
shows on lighter skin tones as red patches with white scales, while on darker
skin tones as purple or gray-colored patches. The areas most affected are the
elbows, the knees, and the scalp.
Guttate psoriasis
occurs most commonly in
childhood and manifests as small pink or purple bumps,
which rarely become thick. They generally affect the torso, arms, and legs.
Pustular psoriasis
is characterized by white, pus-filled blisters with large areas of red,
inflamed skin. Although affected regions are larger than those produced by
plaque psoriasis, they are often localized to smaller places on the body, such
as the hands and feet.
Inverse psoriasis
causes large, bright areas of red, shiny, inflamed skin. This type of psoriasis
is found on areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, places
surrounding the genitals, and folds of skin.
Erythrodermic
psoriasis is rare and extremely serious. Large portions of the body are
affected. Its appearance is similar to a sunburn. Once scales develop, they
begin to slough off in sheets, exposing delicate skin underneath. It is common
for those with this condition to develop a fever and become very ill, which can
become life-threatening without immediate treatment.
Causes
While an exact cause is unknown, it is believed that three main factors
increase the risk of developing psoriasis: genetics, the immune system, and
environmental causes.
Psoriasis commonly occurs in cycles, meaning that an individual will experience periods of intense symptoms that can last for days or weeks, known as flare-ups, and then clear up.
Decades of
research revealed particular genetic abnormalities that will not necessarily trigger the disease, but
suggest a high degree of heredity.
Since psoriasis is
an autoimmune disease, there is an inherent abnormality in the body’s ability
to recognize foreign invaders. The immune system is a complex network with many
pathways and any overexpression can result in the body inappropriately
attacking itself.
Several
environmental factors, as well as infections, stress, alcohol consumption,
obesity, smoking, and specific medications can increase the risk.
Psoriasis is not
contagious, but rather an internal disease that manifests externally.
Effects on the body
The symptoms of psoriasis differ from person to person and depend on the
type and severity. In conjunction with the physical manifestations, it is
common to experience itching, soreness, and burning sensations around affected
areas. Psoriasis commonly occurs in cycles, meaning that an individual will
experience periods of intense symptoms that can last for days or weeks, known
as flare-ups, and then clear up. Certain environmental triggers, such as
infection, can result in flare-ups. In some cases, especially with proper
management, there may be no active signs or symptoms, in which case the disease
may be considered in remission, but relapse is still possible.
Unfortunately,
psoriasis is also associated with an increased risk of more serious
difficulties, primarily cardiovascular complications. This can include an
increased risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, and strokes. Psoriasis is
also associated with diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, fatty liver disease,
and chronic kidney disease.
Societal stigma
A 2018 study conducted by the National Psoriasis Foundation found that 73
to 99 percent of people with psoriasis experienced some degree of
stigmatization. The majority of the general population (62 percent) has poor
education relating to psoriasis. In fact, 17 percent of respondents believed
psoriasis was contagious and 7 percent believed it is related to poor hygiene.
Roughly 50 percent said that they exhibit discriminatory behavior towards those
with psoriasis, with 29 percent reporting that they would not shake hands with
someone who is affected by the condition and eight percent feel reluctant to
become friends. This stigmatization is felt by those who have psoriasis, and it
was reported that 20 percent have faced rejection in public settings such as
gyms, swimming pools, and salons.
Along with the
stigma, those with psoriasis commonly report fear of rejection as well as
feelings of guilt or shame. The result is a poorer quality of life along with
many associated
mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
More education and
awareness should be spread about psoriasis in order to create a society that
supports those suffering, instead of worsening their situation.
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