Psoriasis

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common, chronic disease that primarily involves the skin and is thought to be linked to the immune system.

Many people don’t realise that psoriasis can affect more than just a person’s skin. The reality is that the processes that trigger it may also be associated with the development of other conditions (or ‘comorbidities’), such as metabolic diseases, psychological disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The risk factors for these conditions are higher in people with psoriasis.

Affecting people of all ages, psoriasis usually first appears in early adulthood and is lifelong. There are several types, and severity can range from mild, where psoriasis affects small areas of skin, to severe, where the condition affects a larger body surface area and negatively impacts quality of life.

The burden of living with psoriasis is often underestimated. It not only causes physical and social discomfort, but studies show it can also significantly affect an individual’s quality of life and their relationships. People with psoriasis are also more likely to suffer depression and anxiety than those without.

Causes

The exact cause of psoriasis has not yet been determined; however, it is thought to be related to a problem with the immune system. The immune system is your body’s defense against disease and infection, but for people with psoriasis, it attacks healthy skin cells by mistake.

Treatment

An integrated approach for psoriasis care by addressing the chronic burden of disease on each individual’s life is essential to relieve people living with the disease and reduce the burden on healthcare resources.

Psoriasis can be managed using topical treatment, which is applied to the skin. Topical treatments come in a variety of formulations – such as creams, ointments, and gels – to help meet individual preferences.

Depending on the extent and severity of the disease, other treatment options may include phototherapy with ultraviolet radiation, systemic therapy (e.g., tablets) and biologic treatment (via injections).

Atopic Eczema

What is atopic eczema?

A genetically determined skin disease, atopic eczema affects the upper layer of the skin that usually first appears during early childhood. Although it often clears up before adulthood, some people live with the condition for life. With proper advice and support, it may be possible to manage the disease and reduce much of the associated physical and social discomfort.

Common symptoms include an itchy rash, dry skin, redness and inflammation. Constant scratching can cause the skin to crack, leaving it vulnerable to infection. People usually experience atopic eczema as a succession of flare-ups and remissions.

Causes

Allergic reactions can cause the skin to flare up and make atopic eczema worse. Atopic eczema can be triggered or worsened by stress, or by seasonal climate changes such as the shift from summer to autumn when the air becomes drier.

Treatment

It is important to remember that atopic eczema can be treated and, in many cases, will improve over time. As part of the treatment, some general measures can be taken to help minimise symptoms, such as avoiding irritants and excessive heat and using emollients to moisturise the skin.

Topical steroids, either used alone or in combination with topical antibiotics, are often prescribed to treat eczema. In very severe cases, light therapy or systemic treatment may be advised.