World Psoriasis Day: October 29th, 2017

Psoriasis is a Painful & Disfiguring Non-Communicable Disease without Any Cure

​Today is World Psoriasis Day, a day dedicated to the 125 million people living with psoriasis worldwide. The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) sets a theme every year and the theme for 2017 is “Psoriasis Inside Out”. In line with the theme, this year is all about showing all aspects of the disease and giving a face to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

A Short Insight into Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic disease where the overactive immune system sends out signals that cause inflammation in the body and amplify the growth of skin cells. It is a skin disease that causes red, scaly skin that may feel painful, swollen or hot. While scientists believe that at least 10% of people inherit one or more of the genes that can cause psoriasis, only 2-3% of this population develops the disease. According to researchers, this difference is due to the fact that, to develop psoriasis an individual should have a combination of the genes that cause psoriasis and should also be exposed to external factors called as “triggers.”

Some effects of psoriasis:

• Psoriasis paves way for other diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular problems, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
• It is a painful, disfiguring and disabling non-communicable disease without any cure.
• It not only affects a person physically but also has psycho-social and socio-economic consequences.
• Immense, unnecessary suffering is prevalent in psoriasis patients due to insufficient access to healthcare.
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Dealing with Psoriasis
Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose as it looks like any other skin disease. It is better to get in touch with your physician if you have any doubts. Your doctor might suggest creams, prescription drugs, ultraviolet light therapy, shots or a combination of these treatments.

Individuals with psoriasis feel powerless many-a-time and think of controlling their diet to control their life and fight against the disease. But does diet modification practically help in reducing the impact of this powerful disease?

Although there is no conclusive evidence on the impact of diet on psoriasis, patients bet that they feel better and healthy when they stay on a healthy weight and balanced blood sugar & cholesterol levels-even when these do little for the skin and joints. Most people follow these nutrition tips to combat psoriasis:
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1. Weight-loss: Studies have revealed that obesity increases the risk of psoriasis and losing the extra weight improved the effectiveness of the treatment. Dietitians/nutritionists recommend eating a well-balanced diet that contains foods from all food groups along with a healthy dose of physical activity to stay on a healthy weight. Log on to www.firsteatright.com to get in touch with acclaimed nutritionists/dietitians.
2. Heart-healthy life: Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, just like heart disease. Keeping inflammation to the minimal and improving heart-health is critical for people with psoriasis. Eat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, choose lean meats & poultry, limit saturated fats, restrict alcohol and smoking, be aware of portion sizes and limit intake of processed foods to stay on a heart-healthy diet.
3. Anti-inflammatory diet: Again, as psoriasis is an inflammatory disease, staying on an inflammatory diet helps to reduce its intensity. Restricting foods such as processed foods, dairy products, veggies such as potatoes, tomatoes and bell peppers, refined sugar and red meats that increase inflammation and increasing the intake of foods such as cold-water fish, flaxseeds, olive oil, walnuts and colorful produce (carrots, berries, mangoes, figs, spinach & broccoli) that reduce inflammation are the ideal foods to be consumed.
4. Gluten-free diets: People opt for gluten-free diets believing it to decrease psoriasis symptoms. In reality, there is no perks attached to a gluten-free diet, unless you are allergic to gluten.
5. Vitamins & Supplements: Studies clearly prove that there is no link between psoriasis and the consumption of vitamins and dietary supplements. But people find that consuming these supplements helps relieve joint pain and clear their skin.
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Events are organized all over India to create awareness on psoriasis and the plight of people living with the disease. The Bangalore Dermatological Society in collaboration with BIOCON is conducting a Psoriasis Awareness Program on October 29th at Bangalore City Institute, Chamarajpet at 10.30 a.m. Interested people can visit the camp.