Special camp for psoriasis patients organized on the occasion of 'World Psoriasis Day'

CHANDIGARH: National Skin Hospital, Mansa Devi Complex on the occasion of "World Psoriasis Day" on 29 October organized a special camp for psoriasis patients. About 150 patients of various forms of psoriasis came for check up.
Psoriasis is probably one of the longest known illnesses of humans and simultaneously one of the most misunderstood. Chief Consultant Dermatologist and Dermato-laser Surgeon National Skin Hospital Dr.Vikas Sharma explained that psoriasis is an immune system disorder that primarily affects the skin but can involve the eyes, nails, and joints also. Psoriasis may affect very small areas of skin or cover the entire body with a build-up of red scales called plaques. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by scaling and inflammation. Scaling occurs when cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the skin's surface.
It is a non contagious disease, but dealing with its symptoms can be sometimes challenging. Psoriasis affects both sexes equally and can occur at any age, although it most commonly appears for the first time between the ages of 15 and 25 years.
Dr. Vikas stated that Around one-third of people with psoriasis report a family history of the disease, and lately researchers have identified genetic loci associated with the condition.
Onset before age 40 usually indicates a greater genetic susceptibility and a more severe or recurrent course of psoriasis.
It is very important to make important lifestyle and habit changes to manage skin flares and minimize discomfort caused by this peculiar skin disease. It's very important to stay upbeat, have patience and be relaxed to defeat the symptoms.
Psoriasis is not caused by anything external, it is not an infection caused by any external bacteria, fungus or virus, the fight in this disorder is against our own cells. Normally our skin cells have a life cycle of about 30 days. In psoriasis, this life cycle is much shortened and new skin cells rapidly build up, which results in the appearance of classic thick silvery scales, which are itchy. The lesions also appear red and can be itchy and painful in few.
Dr. Vikas Sharma explained that acceptance and a positive mental outlook can help patients with psoriasis live their day to day lives more comfortably while negativity is an instant trigger for psoriasis. So keeping a high self esteem and relaxed physical and mental attitude is of paramount importance as makes it more than half a battle won.
Dr. Vikas Sharma said that its important to prevent / control the possible triggers for Psoriasis: Stressful lifestyle, Alcohol, Smoking, Streptococcus infection , Skin injury, Certain medications , Anxiety ,Certain chemicals , Oral steroids, etc.