Hamad Medical observes World Psoriasis Day

Date

10/29/2015 8:04:56 AM

(MENAFN- The Peninsula)

Doha: Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) Thursday joined the international community to raise awareness on psoriasis a non-contagious skin disease on occasion of World Psoriasis Day.

Observed globally on October 29 every year World Psoriasis Day gives an international voice to the millions of people worldwide who have this condition. It calls for action on all levels to improve access to treatment and increase understanding of the commonly misunderstood skin disease which can result in emotional distress and social isolation among affected individuals.

Psoriasis is a chronic non-contagious skin disease associated with the over production of skin cells usually resulting in flaky scaly and irritated skin. It can also be associated with psoriatic arthritis which is marked by joint pain and swelling and can be disabling.

According to the International Federation of Psoriasis Association more than 125 million people around the world have psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis affects about three percent of the Qatari population.

HMC’s Rumailah Hospital Dermatology and Venereology Consultant Dr. Ahmad Hazem Takiddin said "Psoriasis is much more than just a skin condition – it can significantly impact one's emotional well-being and quality of life."

"Those with psoriasis often feel deeply embarrassed about their appearance and 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 such as stress skin injury (such as cuts or scrapes) certain infections and some medication."

He emphasized the importance of better understanding and support from the community towards reducing the effect of psoriasis on individuals.

He also encouraged those who are concerned they may have psoriasis to seek professional medical advice to ensure they are correctly diagnosed and get the right medical treatment.

This is determined according to the symptoms location type and severity of their psoriasis and other individual factors such as existing health conditions and allergies.

Psoriasis treatment includes 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.

There is no known cure for psoriatic arthritis but effective early treatment can help to control symptoms and prevent damage to the joints which can be disabling.

Dr. Takiddin said 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.

QNA

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