Addressing misconceptions and supporting patients in psoriasis

KUALA LUMPUR: Psoriasis, a complex skin disorder often misunderstood for other skin diseases, significantly impacts both physical and mental health, with complications ranging from arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and depression.

According to the Global Psoriasis Atlas, psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin condition affecting nearly two to three per cent of the global population, impacting over 60 million people worldwide.

Dr Sharifah Rosniza Syed Nong Chek, a consultant dermatologist at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, said that psoriasis is more than a skin disease, it is an immune-mediated condition where certain cells in the immune system trigger the skin to generate at an abnormally fast rate.

"Normally, skin cells regenerate every 30 days, but in psoriasis, this cycle can be as fast as three to five days, causing excessive new skin cells to build up into thick, scaly plaques," she said in a statement today.

She added that, in Malaysia, the most prevalent form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which accounts for over 80 per cent of cases.

"Patients typically present themselves with red rashes that often have thick and silvery scales. These rashes commonly affect areas like the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back," she said, adding that these visible symptoms could cause social stigma, leading to emotional distress, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression.

"The appearance of the rash, especially in highly visible areas like the face or scalp, can be quite embarrassing. Patients frequently experience itchiness that can be severe enough to disrupt sleep and the skin can become painful due to cracks forming in the thick rash," she added.

Dr Sharifah Rosniza also addressed common misconceptions, stressing that psoriasis is not contagious, but an autoimmune disease which, due to its appearance, often leads to misjudgements about poor hygiene, fueling social discrimination and isolation.

Another common misconception, she noted, is the belief that psoriasis can be cured.

"There is no cure for psoriasis, but the symptoms and flare-ups can be managed effectively... but the condition can enter remission where the skin appears normal," she clarified.

Dr Sharifah Rosniza said that early diagnosis and consistent treatment are vital for managing psoriasis and preventing complications, such as psoriatic arthritis, which affects up to 30 per cent of patients and can lead to joint damage if untreated.

Psoriasis is also linked to obesity and can lead to the risk of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.

She also emphasised the importance of a supportive environment for patients to help them manage the emotional and physical burden of the disease.

"Healthcare professionals play a key role in offering education and support to patients and their loved ones, especially in learning about the disease, identifying and preventing the triggers that can cause flare-ups and dispelling the many misconceptions about the disease.

"Living with psoriasis can be challenging, but with increased awareness and consistent treatment, patients can significantly improve their quality of life," she added.

-- BERNAMA

Read the latest news here