Psoriasis is a chronic, noncommunicable and debilitating disease. It can occur at any age, but is most common in the age group 50 to 69. The etiology of psoriasis is not clear, though autoimmunity and genetic predisposition are thought to be the main causative factors. Psoriasis can also be provoked by triggers, like trauma, throat infections, sunburn, certain medications, stress etc.
Psoriasis mostly involves the skin and nails. Skin lesions are localized or generalized, raised red plaques which are usually covered with white or silver scales. Lesions can also cause itching and pain. Some patients also develop psoriatic arthritis that leads to joint pain. It can also cause inflammation in the eyes, heart, kidneys, and lungs.
Treatment of psoriasis is based on managing the symptoms. Topical and systemic therapies and phototherapy or a combination of these methods are generally used. The need for treatment is usually lifelong and is aimed at long phases of remission.
Psoriasis causes physical and emotional burden and adversely affects quality of life. Social exclusion and stigma are challenging for people suffering from psoriasis and their families. It is not psoriasis that causes the exclusion, it is largely the people’s wrong perception that the disease is contagious, which needs to change.
