Below is an excerpt of news about Psoriasis published in The Sunday Star in Malaysia.
"Oct 29 was World Psoriasis Day. More needs to be done for psoriasis patients, especially in Asia.
PSORIASIS is one of the oldest known skin disease and also one of the most misunderstood.
According to current data, its prevalence is estimated to be approximately 3-5% of the world population, which means that there could be close to a million Malaysians suffering from the disease.
Viewed by most lay men as incurable, psoriasis is a non-contagious recurring autoimmune skin disease that affects both sexes equally. It can occur at any age, although it most commonly appears for the first time between the ages of 15 and 25 years.
The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, but it is believed to have a significant genetic component. Factors that may aggravate psoriasis include stress, withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, infections, skin injuries, and reactions to certain chemical substances or medicines.
It varies in severity from minor localised patches to total body surface involvement. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation with excessive skin production.
Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance, frequently occurring on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals.
The inflamed lesions can be painful, itchy and unsightly. Thus, psoriasis strikes at the physical and emotional health of the patient.
“However, despite numerous studies conducted on its impact on the quality of life for the patient, holistic solutions to prevent the debilitating effects of the disease remains a low priority on the national healthcare agenda, especially in Asian countries” said Dr Steven Chow, secretary general of the League of Asean Dermatological Societies (LADS), a regional association that strives to develop dermatology and improve skin health in the Asean region.
Depending on the severity and location of eruptions, individuals may experience significant physical discomfort and disability. Itching and pain can interfere with basic functions, such as self-care, walking, and sleep.
Plaques on hands and feet can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations, taking up certain sports, and caring for family members or a home.
Plaques on the scalp can be particularly embarrassing as flaky scales can be present as troublesome dandruff. Medical care can be costly and time-consuming and can interfere with employment or school.
It also has adverse effects on other chronic diseases such as depression, myocardial infarction, hypertension, congestive heart failure, or type 2 diabetes. Patients with severe psoriasis have also been shown to have shorter life spans.
“Since there is no known cure, psoriasis will continue to be a serious problem until the World Health Organization and governments view it as a serious disease and galvanize resources to address weaknesses in public awareness programs, medical diagnosis and access to treatment as well as support networks for millions in Asia.
“With current research, better insight, newer treatments and guidelines, the opportunity to intervene earlier and prevent disability from psoriatic arthritis as well as improve the overall recovery of the patient for their lifetime is now possible,” said Dr Chow.
Dr. Chow pointed out that a catalyst critical to improve the treatment awareness and practice across Asia may present itself in the form of a regional psoriasis registry, which will boost and coordinate research, diagnosis and treatment.
“Knowledge is power. Imagine that we have a database that allows us to study and to pin-point the best interventional strategy for psoriasis unique to Asians. Such data looking at the diverse cultural, lifestyle, and diet preferences for example, will help us to better understand and develop programmes to target the needs and concerns of the Asian patients.
“For example, there is no clear-cut scientific evidence that dietary modulation could improve the disease despite the generally held Asian belief that certain foods must be avoided,” said Dr Chow.
According to Dr Chow, there is a tendency for patients in Asia to seek natural herbal remedies or traditional Asian medicine, which may not only be ineffective but may also hamper recovery. Many of these have been shown to contain steroids and other dangerous toxic substances.
“Sharing of data and information via a regional register will not only be a step towards harmonising the development and effective treatment of psoriasis across the region, but will also form the foundation for future research and programmes to address psoriasis for the Asian patient.”
This article is courtesy of the League of ASEAN Dermatological Societies (LADS)."
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Source: The Sunday Star
Date this article: Sunday, 22 Nov 2009
