10 Things to know about psoriasis

MF editorial team

30 Oct 2015

updated the 31 October 2015 à 12:30

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What is psoriasis?
Essentially psoriasis is a skin disease which results in red patches covered with white pieces of skin. These can burn or scrape, but it depends on each individual.
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Is this a common disease?
An estimated 3% of the population suffers from psoriasis and not just on the face. Seborrheic dermatitis (greasy dandruff), which can be regarded as minimal psoriasis, affects 10% of the population.
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How long does it last?
It is a disease that one has for life, although it may suffer a push and not hear about it for 20 years. Most of the time, psoriasis appears in early adulthood, but it can also occur in children (in general it is of severe forms) or in older people. Note, however: psoriasis often improves with age.
4/10
Is it serious?
It's not a disease that is life-threatening. In very severe cases where the psoriasis is extensive, there may be other complications such as joint destruction or cardiovascular disorders. It is therefore essential to consult a doctor.
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Are there any areas of the body that can be affected more than others?
Violations of the face and scalp are common. The elbows, knees, buttocks, sacrum and other folds (armpits, line of the buttocks...) are also sensitive areas. Finally, the nails can be a target of psoriasis and they are particularly difficult to treat.
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Is it hereditary?
No. It is a disease where the gene is very important, but that is not determined by a single gene.
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What are the contributing factors?
Alcohol, tobacco, stress, or certain medications such as beta blockers or antihypertensives can amplify symptoms.
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Is it contagious?
Not at all!
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Where does the disease stem from?
It is a problem of immunity which causes skin inflammation initiated by lymphoctes. The skin renews itself too quickly and lesions form.
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Are there treatments?
Paradoxically, it is the least severe forms that are harder to treat because it is necessary to be patient and apply cream for several months. UV treatment can also help. In severe cases, immunosuppressants may be used but these treatments are heavy and not devoid of side effects. There are very new drugs coming on the market, including those targeting interleukins, the messengers of inflammation.

81% of French say they know psoriasis but with a little digging, we found that only 15% of them actually know what it is. Here are 10 things to remember.

According to an Ipsos survey LEO/Pharma conducted in October 2015, people think they are well informed about psoriasis. However, the disease might be relatively common, and stereotypes die hard. For example, 29% of the French population are reluctant towards the idea of shaking hands with someone who has psoriasis, for fear of catching it. An update on what is true and what is myth with Dr. Michel Janier, head of the dermatology department of the hospital group Paris Saint-Joseph, which has a specially dedicated structure, the Institute of psoriasis, for multidisciplinary care for patients (dermatologist, rheumatoid, psychologists, etc).

A CAMPAIGN TO FEEL BETTER ABOUT YOURSELF

To fight against the reactions of rejection and distrust, and on the occasion of the World Day of Psoriasis October 29, Leo Pharma Laboratories have launched a vast operation of de-demonization on social networks. Users are invited to leave a picture with a message of support to choose from. It is an important step for patients who suffer from these unsightly plaques and tend to withdraw into themselves, and in some cases to sink into depression.

Maureen Diament and Nur Syazana H.

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10 Things to know about psoriasis

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