Psoriasis is more than skin deep

Psoriasis patients recently urged pharmaceutical companies and medical aids to create more awareness about the inflammatory skin disease.

Hosted by Janssen, a pharmaceutical company, the main aim of the event was to have a disease awareness meeting about psoriasis comorbidities and how early intervention with systemic therapies would help in reducing the risk of latent comorbidity as well as its financial burdens over time.

Speaking at The Ugly Truth, a psoriasis event held in Parktown, dermatologist Dr Noufal Raboobee said the condition was a long-term inflammatory disease.
“Psoriasis is a systematic disease with elevated risk of multiple and serious comorbidities. These comorbidities increase disease burden beyond the skin and are linked to increased mortality and comorbid disease burden,” he said.

“These comorbidities must be taken into account when planning treatment. Early treatment with biologics can modify the course of the disease and is associated with improved clearance and faster treatment outcomes.”

Diagnosed at 15 years old, Natashua Devilliers (38) said the disease affected her emotionally more than her skin.

“The treatment is unaffordable, and at times I can’t even look at myself in the mirror. I was also hospitalised for major depression, and dream of a life where people won’t stare or ask about my skin.”

Another psoriasis patient Gloria Mokoena (46) added living with the incurable and life-changing disease was not easy.

“Before being diagnosed in Johannesburg which meant sacrificing three days of school, there was no herb I did not use, I even consulted traditional healers. When seasons change, my skin flares up and in winter; there are certain bed sheets I use because my skin is sensitive and flakes off.”

Diagnosed at 19 years old with psoriatic arthritis, Lydia Felton (37) said she was glad to be able to go to gym.

“I was diagnosed in 2004 and from there it went downhill. Psoriatic arthritis meant I could barely move, and constantly changed my medication because it was ineffective until I began biological treatment where I saw major improvement. I now go to the gym after 10 years.”

Raboobee concluded, “The ultimate goal for any psoriasis treatment is to achieve the complete clearance of skin symptoms. However, treatment goals need to be based upon the results observed by available treatments in clinical trials and practice. When a treatment goal is not achieved, the treatment protocol requires alteration by dose adjustment and addition of another treatment.”