October 29, 2023 – World Psoriasis Day

Since 2004, World Psoriasis Day has been observed annually on October 29th, initiated by the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA). The main goal of these events is to raise public awareness about this disease, inform the public that psoriasis is not contagious, and support people suffering from psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious skin disease characterized by the appearance of reddish-pink rashes and skin scaling.

The term "psoriasis" originates from the Greek word "psoriasis," which translates to "itch" or "scab." According to statistics, approximately 3.5% of the world's population suffers from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In the Republic of Belarus, 2% to 4% of the population suffers from psoriasis. In our region, 1715 patients with severe forms of psoriasis are under observation. In 70% of cases, psoriasis develops between the ages of 15-25, with another peak in disease development occurring between the ages of 50-60.

The causes of psoriasis are unknown to medicine. It is hypothesized that the nature of this disease may lie in the abnormal functioning of the immune system. Most likely, there are multiple causes for this disease, including genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. 30-50% of patients have a family history of psoriasis among close relatives. According to epidemiological studies, the hereditary factor is estimated to be responsible for 60-90% of psoriasis development.

Psoriasis can significantly impair the quality of life for patients. Depending on the severity and location of psoriatic lesions, individuals with psoriasis may experience considerable physical and psychological discomfort, difficulties with social and professional adaptation, and even disability.

The main characteristic of psoriasis is a monomorphic rash (dark red papules covered with large silvery-white scales). The most typical locations for plaques are the elbows and knees, the sacrum, and the scalp. In healthy individuals, the skin cell renewal process takes 20-30 days, whereas in people with psoriasis, this process is much faster – occurring in 4-5 days, which explains the formation of plaques covered with easily detachable silvery-white scales.

Psoriasis can manifest in various forms. Variants of psoriasis include plaque (common), pustular, guttate, and inverse psoriasis (affecting large skin folds). Palmar-plantar psoriasis exists, with isolated lesions on the palms and soles. Nail psoriasis is characterized by "oil" spots, thimble-like pitting, thickening, and destruction of the nail plates.

Currently, there is an increase in severe, treatment-resistant forms of dermatosis (psoriatic arthritis, pustular psoriasis, and psoriatic erythroderma), which can sometimes lead to disability. In recent years, there has been a trend of psoriasis appearing at a younger age, even in children, with a characteristic aggressive course and complications.

Unfortunately, patients with mild and localized forms of the disease seek dermatological help late, engage in self-treatment, which leads to an increase in severe forms resistant to traditional therapy, and the development of complications affecting joints and internal organs, potentially leading to disability.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis. It is considered the second most common inflammatory joint disease after rheumatoid arthritis. The probability of developing psoriatic arthritis in patients with cutaneous psoriasis ranges from 5% to 30%. The incidence in the Republic of Belarus is approximately 6 cases per 100,000 population. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint, but most commonly affects the small joints of the distal phalanges of the hands and/or feet.

At the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology, alongside traditional methods of psoriasis treatment, highly effective modern methods are employed, including immunobiological drugs, narrowband phototherapy, and infusion therapy, considering the affected area. Good results have been achieved using comprehensive psoriasis therapy methods such as plasmapheresis, ozone therapy, UV blood irradiation, laser therapy, flaxseed gel wraps, the use of Saki mud, balneotherapy, apiotherapy, and dry carbon dioxide baths. High-class specialists work here, including not only dermatovenereologists but also a psychotherapist, neurologist, general practitioner, apitherapist, and rehabilitation specialist.

Disease prevention measures include a diet rich in vegetables and fish products, excluding fast carbohydrates and fatty foods, timely treatment of identified concomitant diseases, psychological correction of emotional overload, prevention of situations leading to skin trauma, as well as sanatorium-resort treatment in consultation with a doctor.

Psoriasis is a chronic and slowly progressive disease; timely and adequate treatment only improves the quality of life of patients but does not eliminate the disease itself. We urge patients not to give up, to be patient and persistent in treating this disease, and not to abandon treatment, which in recent years has allowed for significant progress.

On the eve of World Psoriasis Day, October 27, 2023, a press conference dedicated to this problem will be held at the Vitebsk Regional Clinical Center of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology. Leading specialists of the center, media representatives, and patients undergoing treatment will take part in the conference.

Psoriasis School Active Members.

The presentations by the center's specialists will focus on highlighting modern achievements in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis and drawing public attention to the problem of psoriasis.

It is planned to award the Honorary Medal "For the Will to Win Against Psoriasis" to patients who have been successfully and actively undergoing psoriasis treatment for several years and have achieved good results.

On the center's website vokcdk.by, in the section "A Dermatovenereologist Answers Your Question," you can ask questions about skin and venereal diseases.

Head of the Department

of Primary Prevention

Vitebsk RCCDV&C

V.E. Spiridonov