FACTS ABOUT PSORIASIS

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects about 1% (1 in 100) of the population. It results from rapid multiplication of skin cells leading to thickening of the skin and scaling. It is estimated that there are about 80 million people with psoriasis throughout the world. In Singapore, it is estimated that at least 13,000 persons are affected with Psoriasis.

What Does Psoriasis look like?

Psoriasis appears as red patches of skin covered with loose silvery scales that flake off constantly. It can occur on any part of the body although the knees, elbows, back and scalp are common sites of involvement.

Commonly, it begins as persistent dandruff in the scalp before spreading elsewhere. These may often be accompanying irritation or itch but the severity of this may vary considerably from person to person. Sometimes if the patches are thick and dry they crack and become sore.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, rest and physiotherapy are used in the treatment of Psoriatic arthritis. Early and effective treatment of arthritis can prevent deformity of the joints. Psoriasis of the nails is difficult to treat.

Can Psoriasis be cleared?

At least one third of Psoriasis patients lose the condition naturally for long periods of time and completely on occasions. Careful planning and good compliance with treatment may leave the patient with minimal or no skin lesions for several years after completion of treatment.

Long term treatment is usually necessary and multiple visits to the clinic may be required. Psoriasis by nature respond slowly to treatment. Severe Psoriasis may require hospitalisation.

Is there any hope that a cure will be found?

Certainly, but this is unlikely in the immediate future. Medical research in treatment of Psoriasis is being carried out in many parts of the world. Over the last decade great strides have been achieved in the treatment of Psoriasis. Intensive research is necessary not only for us but also for our future generations.

c/o National Skin Centre, Phototherapy Unit, No. 1 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308205, Phone : 63508551, Fax : 62533225