ISLAMABAD:Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that primarily affects the skin but may also be associated with joint problems and other health complications, and requires long-term management through medication and lifestyle modifications, Professor of Dermatology Dr Rabia Ghafoor said on Wednesday.
Speaking on a local news channel, she said the disease was caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with people having a family history of the condition facing a higher risk. The risk for children was approximately 20 percent if one parent had psoriasis and 50 percent if both parents were affected, she added.
Dr Rabia said cold weather, dry conditions, stress and infections, particularly throat infections in children, could trigger or aggravate flare-ups.
She explained that psoriasis was not merely a cosmetic skin condition but a systemic inflammatory disease associated with joint problems and other health issues, including high cholesterol, obesity, fatty liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
The disease commonly appeared as red or pink patches covered with silvery scales, which could develop on the scalp, knees, elbows and other parts of the body. Scratching or removing the scales could cause bleeding, she said.
She added that the severity ranged from mild patches affecting limited areas to extensive disease involving up to 80 to 90 percent of the body surface.
Responding to a query, she said treatment options included topical medications, oral drugs and injectable therapies, depending on the severity of the condition. Petroleum jelly could help moisturise the skin and reduce scaling, she added.
However, she cautioned against the unsupervised and prolonged use of steroid creams, saying they could provide temporary relief but might cause significant side effects, including skin thinning, ulcers, increased facial hair and facial swelling.
Emphasising that psoriasis was not contagious, she said the condition could be managed through appropriate medical treatment, regular care and lifestyle changes.
The dermatologist also advised patients to avoid excessive consumption of highly refined sugars and foods that could contribute to weight gain and inflammation.