The Peninsula
Doha: In recognition of Psoriasis Awareness Month observed in August, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is raising awareness about the misunderstood skin disease.
“Psoriasis is a persistent, chronic, systemic disease of the immune system which can be hereditary. It is characterised by overproduction of skin cells, usually resulting in thick, silvery scales and flaky, irritated skin. “It affects about three percent of the Qatar population. Men and women develop psoriasis at equal rates. The condition is often diagnosed between ages of 15 and 35, but can develop at any age. It is not contagious,” said Dr. Ahmad Hazem Takiddin, Dermatology and Venereology Consultant, HMC.
Psoriasis changes the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to rapidly build up on the surface of the skin. It typically occurs on the knees, elbows and scalp but can affect the torso, palms and soles of the feet. There are several types of psoriasis. Most go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or going into complete remission.
Many people with psoriasis experience anxiety, embarrassment and depression. They face discrimination because others fear the condition is contagious. In addition to the psychological and social impact, psoriasis increases risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, hypertension, obesity, depression and other serious health conditions if not treated.
“Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition. It can significantly impact one’s emotional well-being and quality of life,” said Dr. Takiddin.
“Those with psoriasis often feel embarrassed about their appearance. They may face social difficulties due to other people’s perception that psoriasis is infectious, which is not true. People develop psoriasis through a combination of genes and exposure to external triggers. Triggers can include stress, skin injury (such as cuts or scrapes), certain infections and some medication.”
He advised those concerned they have psoriasis to seek medical advice and said it is important to ensure individuals are correctly diagnosed and get the right treatment.
“Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis. Most people develop psoriasis first and are later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, but the joint problems can sometimes begin before skin lesions appear.
“Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is treatable but there is no cure. The focus is on controlling symptoms and preventing damage to joints. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis may be disabling,” he said.
Treatment options for psoriasis include creams and ointments applied to the skin, phototherapy (controlled exposure to certain types of ultraviolet light), and medication that reduces the production of skin cells. “Psoriasis symptoms can be worsened by lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese, smoking, alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet consisting of foods high in saturated fats, starch and sugar. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical exercise and adequate sleep are important for everyone but particularly for those with, or at risk of developing, psoriasis.”
The Peninsula
Doha: In recognition of Psoriasis Awareness Month observed in August, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is raising awareness about the misunderstood skin disease.
“Psoriasis is a persistent, chronic, systemic disease of the immune system which can be hereditary. It is characterised by overproduction of skin cells, usually resulting in thick, silvery scales and flaky, irritated skin. “It affects about three percent of the Qatar population. Men and women develop psoriasis at equal rates. The condition is often diagnosed between ages of 15 and 35, but can develop at any age. It is not contagious,” said Dr. Ahmad Hazem Takiddin, Dermatology and Venereology Consultant, HMC.
Psoriasis changes the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to rapidly build up on the surface of the skin. It typically occurs on the knees, elbows and scalp but can affect the torso, palms and soles of the feet. There are several types of psoriasis. Most go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or going into complete remission.
Many people with psoriasis experience anxiety, embarrassment and depression. They face discrimination because others fear the condition is contagious. In addition to the psychological and social impact, psoriasis increases risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, hypertension, obesity, depression and other serious health conditions if not treated.
“Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition. It can significantly impact one’s emotional well-being and quality of life,” said Dr. Takiddin.
“Those with psoriasis often feel embarrassed about their appearance. They may face social difficulties due to other people’s perception that psoriasis is infectious, which is not true. People develop psoriasis through a combination of genes and exposure to external triggers. Triggers can include stress, skin injury (such as cuts or scrapes), certain infections and some medication.”
He advised those concerned they have psoriasis to seek medical advice and said it is important to ensure individuals are correctly diagnosed and get the right treatment.
“Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis. Most people develop psoriasis first and are later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, but the joint problems can sometimes begin before skin lesions appear.
“Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is treatable but there is no cure. The focus is on controlling symptoms and preventing damage to joints. Without treatment, psoriatic arthritis may be disabling,” he said.
Treatment options for psoriasis include creams and ointments applied to the skin, phototherapy (controlled exposure to certain types of ultraviolet light), and medication that reduces the production of skin cells. “Psoriasis symptoms can be worsened by lifestyle factors such as being overweight or obese, smoking, alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet consisting of foods high in saturated fats, starch and sugar. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical exercise and adequate sleep are important for everyone but particularly for those with, or at risk of developing, psoriasis.”
