Psoriasis: why it’s so much more than just a skin disease

A third of the population still believes that psoriasis affects only the skin. It is still understood as a file simple or cosmetic pathology, Ignoring the fact of its arrival and underestimating its severity and impact on the whole body, from The joints of the heart, including mental health.

It’s called psoriasis For a chronic inflammatory and immune condition. When it attacks the joints, it is frequently manifested by psoriatic arthritis. Thea psoriasis This threatens the immune system Effects on multiple areas of the body, it is a systemic, non-infectious, chronic, inflammatory disease, It is mainly observed in the skin in the form of White and red plaques and crusts Which are mostly located on the elbows, knees, trunk and scalp.

according to Psoriasis Patients Association (AEPSO), It is estimated that in Argentina Between 2% and 3% of the population suffer from this disease. may appear In both men and women, present at any age, both in infants, children and adults.

Under the slogan “Unidos” (USA) It will be implemented this year World Psoriasis Day, which strives to give a voice to people suffering from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis around the world. Imagine, pregnant by patients to patients, Commemorating them all over a decade ago October 29.

In this framework, the AEPSO, with the support of the Argentinean Psoriasis Society (SOARPSO) and the Argentinean Society of Rheumatology (SAR), will implement for the second year in a row.Psoriatika 2021: Knowing the depth of psoriasis.

The goal is to provide patients with information about their disease and effective tools to prevent comorbidities, organizers said.

Raising social awareness is to inform and educate. They said that awareness of the consequences (particularly physical and psychological) of the disease is an essential step for understanding and normalization.

Far from being a purely cosmetic problem, having psoriasis It also has a strong psychoactive effectAnd Because the plaques on the skin are visible and sometimes generate rejection or fear. Family, work and social relationships can be affected and for this reason The patient may experience insecurity, anxiety, shame, frustration, stigma, anger, low self-esteem and symptoms of depression.. Also, people with Severe psoriasis is more likely to have a major cardiac event, develop type 2 diabetes, and be more likely to have a stroke.

it is expected that 3 out of 10 people With psoriasis it can also develop Psoriatic arthritis. It can appear in people with mild or severe psoriasis and also in people who do not have a skin infection, but who have a family history. he is A chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints, spine, and/or areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. Inflammatory joint damage causes pain, swelling, heat, and difficulty moving. It can affect any joint in the body, even the spine, although it is more common in the lower extremities, ie in the knees, ankles and feet. If arthritis is not treated properly early, it can lead to long-term destruction, disfigurement, and disability. Although it appears in both men and women, it is more frequent at any stage of life Between 30 and 64 years old.

“In psoriasis, pain and itching caused by skin lesions are the main symptoms. On the other hand, the appearance of pests causes stigma and with it a significant impact on the quality of life. However, being inflammatory, systemic, chronic and Autoimmune , Associated with multiple comorbidities, Any diseases that appear together, share a mechanism and They need multidisciplinary care. For this reason, it was decided to name psoriasis For all this large group of co-existing conditions that are part of the same disease.” Infobae Cristina Echeverria (MN 87.398), President of the Argentinean Psoriasis Association (SOARPSO)

“It is essential, as an association of patients, that we create spaces to learn more and more about the different aspects of our disease. The idea is to be able to contain ourselves, share experiences, and drive away fears, doubts and fears through correct information and scientific evidence and thus empower ourselves in the face of disease and the health system” He emphasized this method Silvia Fernandez Barrio, President of AEPSO. “As patients we must constantly know a lot about our disease. Knowing that gives us tools to confront itHe added in a permanent dialogue between the organization of patients and doctors.

The Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and timely compliance, allows to avoid serious complications, and allows for better management if they occur, specialists say, according to AEPSO. For now, the disease can be controlled because, Although there is no cure, treatments have advanced greatly allowing patients a better quality of life and a pathway to recovery. At this point, specialists stress that adherence and consistency in following medical recommendations are essential. If not, the expected results will not be obtained. They also warn of The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to disease.

“Early consultation with a physician is essential and, in the case of psoriasis, interdisciplinary work in between Dermatologists and rheumatologists. Patients who need it should be referred early to a rheumatologist, to ensure early diagnosis and timely treatment of the disease. This allows to obtain positive responses in patients and eAvoiding associated damages such as deformities and/or disability” Dr. Maria Celina de la Vega (MN 89.104), President of the Argentinean Society of Rheumatology noted.

Psoriatika 2021: knowing the depth of psoriasis, will be held as of tomorrow, Friday 29 to Saturday 30 October practically. Together with the most important local and international references for the discipline, it will have general and region-specific approaches where the specific problems of each can be dealt with with the participation of local references.

“The champions of this conference are us, the patients. We have to educate ourselves and achieve empathy and closeness with doctors.” Fernandez Barrio concluded his speech.

In order to participate in this activity, it is necessary to register in: http://www.psoriatika.com/.

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