This disease affects one in 30 people worldwide. An expert explains how to protect yourself from psoriasis.

October 7, MINSK . One in 30 people worldwide suffers from psoriasis. Svetlana Yakovleva, a dermatovenereologist at the Outpatient Dermatovenereology Department No. 3 of the Minsk City Clinical Center of Dermatovenereology, discussed prevention methods and proper treatment, a BELTA correspondent reports.

"One in 30 people worldwide suffers from psoriasis. In Belarus, it affects 3.5% of the population. One in three patients develops arthritis, which can later lead to disability," the DOCTOR said. 
She noted that psoriasis can affect anyone. "Men and women are equally affected. People are affected regardless of their social status. There are two peaks of incidence: the first occurs in the second decade of life. The second occurs in the second half of the fifties, and exacerbations occur in the autumn and winter," Svetlana Yakovleva emphasized.

Psoriasis is a scaly lichen. Typical formations in patients with psoriasis are chronic plaques that, despiteTreatment can persist for years, interfering with daily life and limiting activity. Patients are embarrassed by the rashes, try to hide them, and often wear warm, long-sleeved clothing in the summer.

In addition to the skin, patients also experience lesions on the mucous membranes, joints , and nails. Nail lesions often precede joint lesions, which cannot be ignored.

Causes of psoriasis include hereditary predisposition, hormonal imbalances, immune system failure, and stress. Heredity plays a significant role. If both parents have psoriasis, the chance of a child developing the disease is 60-70%. If only one parent is affected, the chance is 20%. The state of the nervous and endocrine systems, as well as metabolic processes, are also important.

However, the doctor also noted that the development of psoriasis also depends on external factors, such as the patient's lifestyle. "Let's take two twins and place them in different conditions. One will live in a stress-free world, will maintain a work-rest schedule, sleep eight hours, avoid ALCOHOL and smoking, and engage in moderate physical activity. The second will live in constant stress, consume"Alcohol , smoking, and lack of sleep are important. The second patient's risk of developing psoriasis is much higher," the doctor said .

Psoriasis has several stages, each requiring its own specific treatment. In the advanced stage, psoriasis is just beginning to develop. At this stage, a careful approach to therapy is crucial. "You shouldn't resort to spa treatment or physical therapy. In the inpatient stage, we also work with a limited number of topical treatments: you can't use high concentrations of urea or salicylic acid. If you prescribe these treatments in high concentrations, they can exacerbate the disease," the doctor noted.

Svetlana Yakovleva noted that there is currently no drug or therapy that can completely cure patients. "We can induce remission in them, and if it lasts for years, that's a success. A balanced regimen of work, nutrition, and rest is crucial for patients. "It's been confirmed that patients who are stressed, work irregular hours, and eat fast food have more frequent flare-ups and these flare-ups last longer," the doctor explained. 

The doctor noted that any infection can trigger a psoriasis relapse, such as pharyngitis and tonsillitis, especially in chronic cases where the patient doesn't seek prompt medical attention. However, guttate psoriasis can also be a cause. Moisturizing the skin between relapses is crucial, as dry skin can lead to scratching and injury to the plaques.

Smoking also triggers more frequent flare-ups and a more severe course of psoriasis. Alcohol hasn't been proven to directly affect the progression of the disease, but it does exacerbate other related conditions, such as pancreatitis. Therefore, doctors recommend completely abstaining from all unhealthy habits. "After the holidays, within a week or two, we see an increased number of patients with flare-ups of chronic diseases, including psoriasis," she added. - noted Svetlana Yakovleva.