October 29, 2024 – World Psoriasis Day

Psoriasis, also known as scaly lichen, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by inflammatory rashes and scaling. Psoriasis is one of the most common skin diseases, and about 4% of the world's population suffers from it.

The first signs of psoriasis can appear from 4 months of age up to old age, but it most commonly affects people between the ages of 21 and 42. It has been established that the earlier the disease begins, the more severe its course and the more frequent the relapses.

CAUSES OF PSORIASIS:

The opinions of most scientists agree that a genetic factor, i.e., the possibility of hereditary transmission, influences the onset of the disease. Observations have shown that if both parents have psoriasis, the risk of developing the disease in a child reaches 70%. If the disease is present in only one parent, the risk for the child decreases to 25%.

There are also other causes of psoriasis:

neurological and endocrine disorders;

skin injuries and sunburns;

metabolic disorders;

immune disorders;

stress.

Impact of Psoriasis on Quality of Life

In most cases, psoriasis has only cosmetic manifestations. According to WHO data, in 60% of patients, less than 3% of the skin is affected. Nail and seborrheic psoriasis are almost impossible to hide. Itching (if present) causes insomnia and reduces concentration.

The larger the area of the rash, the more a person focuses on their appearance, leading to self-esteem issues. This sooner or later results in mental disorders.

In 10% of cases, psoriatic lesions penetrate under the skin and affect the joints, leading to their deformation and reduced mobility. In some cases, the disease leads to loss of work capacity.

Psoriasis is not life-threatening, but its course increases the risk of developing cardiovascular pathologies (hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke) and diabetes mellitus.

Is psoriasis contagious? This is a relevant question for those who have not encountered it before. No, there is no need to worry. The disease is not transmitted through contact in any way. Active shedding of plaques occurs due to pathological cell division. Normally, in a healthy person, the maturation cycle takes about a month. Psoriasis accelerates the process to a few days.

Risk factors include: heredity and causes such as alcohol, smoking, obesity, frequent stress, taking certain medications (e.g., the anti-inflammatory indomethacin, lithium, drugs for hypertension treatment (propranolol, quinidine)), skin injuries in the form of cuts, scratches, various insect bites, chafing from uncomfortable clothing.

Psoriasis Prevention

Psoriasis prevention involves following simple rules:

1. do not get nervous and remain calm;
2. dietary nutrition;

3. elimination of bad habits;

4. increased attention to skin care;

5. exclusion of synthetic underwear and clothing.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle and systematically strengthen your immunity.

State Institution "Rassonsky RTCGE", October 2024.