Psoriasis, a disease that many doctors and patients once thought to be a simple skin disease, has been researched and found to be more than skin deep.1 In fact, the disease is so severe that it impacts the mental and physical wellbeing of a patient, at times leading to suicide.2 Some of the symptoms prevent people from doing normal things such as wearing clothes that show their skin and carrying their kids. Dr Ugeshnie Naidoo specialist dermatologist explains.
Five early signs of psoriasis
Before you can treat psoriasis, it’s important to recognise the signs. Here are five early symptoms,3
- Rashes or patches of red, inflamed skin, covered in loose silvery plaques. In severe instances, the plaques grow and merge into each other and cover larger areas of the body.
- Itchy, painful skin that may crack and bleed when scratched.
- Pitting or discolouring of the fingernails and toenails. The nails may begin to crumble or detach from the nail bed.
- Scaly plaques of silvery skin on the scalp.
- Achy or swollen joints may occur as a result of psoriatic arthritis, which is a related condition that affects psoriasis sufferers.
There is help out there, and you can change the course of the disease, the sooner you treat psoriasis, and the more effectively you treat it, means you can prevent long-term problems and comorbidities.
Psoriasis complications
If left untreated, psoriasis could flare up and result in further health complications such as,4
Psoriatic arthritis4
One of the more common comorbidities, affecting 30 to 33% of people living with psoriasis, is psoriatic arthritis. This causes swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints when left untreated.
Cardiovascular diseases4
Also known as heart disease, this progression of psoriasis may result in heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and heart valve problems.
Metabolic syndrome4
Due to increased blood pressure caused by psoriasis, people may experience excess body fat and abnormal cholesterol levels, both of which could lead to strokes or type 2 diabetes.
Mental health disorders4
Due to the debilitating nature of psoriasis symptoms, many people experience mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress and, in severe cases, suicidal ideation.2 The impact of mental health disorders could result in constant sadness, impacting a person’s ability to live a happy, normal life.
How to treat psoriasis
Seek immediate assistance from your doctor, who will be able to assess the severity of your psoriasis and place you on a treatment plan. After years of research, pharmaceutical companies have developed a biologic treatment that reduces the severity of symptoms and can achieve clear skin.
With the introduction of a breakthrough biologic treatment, you can change the course of your life, and enjoy clear skin.
The bottom line
People living with this devastating condition deserve access to effective treatment. If you’re living with psoriasis, talk to your dermatologist ASAP and ask them to help you get treatment that will achieve clear skin.
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed. Visit the #MoreThanSkinDeep Facebook page to learn more about psoriasis and how you can show your support to those living with this condition.
References:
- Psoriasis Organisation – https://www.psoriasis.org/why-treat/ – LAST ACCESSED 12 AUGUST 2021
- National Library of Medicine – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28807109/ – LAST ACCESSED 18 AUGUST 2021
- WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-signs-symptoms – LAST ACCESSED 12 AUGUST 2021
- Psoriasis Organisation – https://www.psoriasis.org/related-conditions/ – LAST ACCESSED 12 AUGUST 2021
About the author
Dr Ugeshnie Naidoo, is a renowned specialist dermatologist. She completed her MBChB in 2000 at the University of Natal. She specialized in Dermatology and qualified with her FC(Derm) at the Fellow of the College of Dermatologists of South Africa in 2007 – CMSA (College of Medicine South Africa).
She worked at Skinmatters in association with Dr. Pieter du Plessis from 2009 – 2013 and went into solo Private Practice in 2014. Presently she practices medical dermatology. She is on the Psoriasis Advisory Board for Janssen and presents annually for Adcock on Acne management. She often presents lectures on dermatological conditions for Eucerin, Jannsen and Adcock.
Laser treatments and therapy is also a large part of Dr. Naidoo’s practice, and she proudly fills the seat of Chariperson and Director of the LCM Skin and Laser Clinic. Some of the treatments done by Dr. Naidoo at LCM Skin and Laser Clinic include: Birthmarks, scarring and sun damaged skin with laser therapy.
Dr. Naidoo has been practicing aesthetic dermatology since 2009 and a proud member of Allergan’s Medical Institute. (AMI). Dr. Naidoo teaches and mentor’s for Allergan on all dermal injectables. She is also an active member of the DSSA (Dermatological Society of South Africa) and the SASDS (South African Society of Dermatological Surgery).
The Sclerotherapy course is managed through the University of Stellenbosch and SASDS and is co-ordinated and presented by Dr Naidoo. Sclerotherapy and laser for unsightly veins are a significant part of her practice.
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