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This Thursday’s World Psoriasis Day (29) aims to raise awareness of the non-communicable disease that causes physical and psychological suffering
More than skin diseases, psoriasis affects 2.6 million Brazilians
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune, and non-contagious skin disease that affects an estimated 2.6 million Brazilians, according to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD). It is characterized by peeling red plaques and up to 60% of cases also affects the joints. Since it directly affects appearance and is surrounded by prejudices, it also has consequences on self-esteem, social life and increases the risk of psychiatric disorders.
According to dermatologist and psoriasis specialist Dimitri Luz, from the German hospital Oswaldo Cruz and a member of the SBD (Brazilian Society of Dermatology), the disease does not have a well-defined cause, but there is a genetic predisposition, which is an essential factor, and it affects other aspects, such as obesity and smoking.
“It is written in the DNA of the person who will develop the disease. And when it comes into contact with some triggering events, the immune system starts producing certain chemicals that cause inflammation,” he explains.
“Skin that would take 28 days to form in the individual with psoriasis forms in seven days. That’s why that thick layer remains,” he points out.
The parts of the body most frequently affected by injuries are the elbows, knees, scalp, nails, palms and soles of the feet, according to the Ministry of Health. “Sometimes, people think they have ringworm, but they aren’t.” , observes Luz.
“The disease gets worse when there is severe psychological stress, unhealthy habits and lack of exercise,” he adds.
Also Read: Understand Psoriasis, a Skin Disease Affecting Kim Kardashian’s Face
The specialist states that between 47% and 60% of patients with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, when the inflammation also affects the joints, causing severe pain, including in the spine. “This happens after the psoriasis is well established, but it is not possible to establish a specific time [para o surgimento]”, details.
Higher risk of heart attack and psychiatric disorders
According to him, psoriasis also increases the risk of developing other diseases, such as heart attack, diabetes, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and psychiatric disorders.
Damage to mental health and social life ends up being inevitable given the stigma surrounding the disease. “It’s hard to remember a patient whose life hasn’t changed. They face prejudice on the street. Sometimes they sit on the bus and the other person leaves his side. They get nicknames at school. In adulthood, people keep asking “, exemplifies.
For these reasons, many try to hide wounds and wear warm clothing, even in the heat.
“A patient who marked me a lot cried on her first appointment because she believed she wasn’t being cured and, when I told her I was with her, that we would be treated, she was thrilled,” recalls Luz.
Advances in treatment
The dermatologist points out that, thanks to therapeutic advances, the landscape of the disease has changed a lot in the last two decades. “It is one of the most studied diseases. Each year ends up having a different launch. A lot has emerged this year.”
There are two routes to treatment. The sessions in the phototherapy cabin are one of them. “The person enters this cabin and receives a bath of ultraviolet light,” he describes. “But not all phototherapy clinics are reliable. You need to seek out a doctor related to SDB,” he advises.
Also, it is possible to use injectable drugs. “The most advanced are the immunobiologicals. In Brazil, we have nine types available, but not all of them are in SUS [Sistema Único de Saúde]”says Luz.
Also Read: New Psoriasis Drug Incorporated into SUS
According to him, immunobiologicals are remedies that block inflammatory substances released in the body by the immune system: there is a specific drug that acts directly on each of them.
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