Psoriasis 101: A Quick Primer on the Inflammatory Disease
Get to know psoriasis, the chronic condition that impacts the physical and emotional well-being of one million Canadians.
Anyone who’s had acne or dandruff knows that skin conditions can harm self-esteem. For people living with psoriasis (PsO), a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin and is associated with arthritis, depression and cardiovascular disease, this is an all-too-common truth. The effects of PsO have a significant negative impact on quality of life and daily activities for a majority of those affected.
“Psoriasis can’t be cured and managing it can be challenging technically, emotionally and financially,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of Facet Dermatology. “Beyond physical discomfort, the cosmetic changes of the skin can be very distressing to patients and affect their self-esteem and social lives.” Here, she answers some of the most common questions about psoriasis so we can all #KnowPsO.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition where the immune system becomes overactive and causes skin cells to multiply too quickly. The result is a buildup of scaly red plaques on the skin. It can also trigger inflammation throughout the body and is often associated with additional issues such as depression (associated with the mental burden of PsO), cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (a grouping of conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abnormal cholesterol and more).
Who is most at risk for psoriasis?
If someone in your family has psoriasis, there is a greater likelihood that you will have it. There can also be risk factors such as specific genes, stress, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and infections (like HIV and post- streptococcal). Anyone can have psoriasis, including children, though it’s more common in adults.
What are the most common symptoms?
The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which affects 90 per cent of psoriasis patients. It can manifest as scaly patches of skin that look red and inflamed or silvery and dry. They can appear anywhere—the elbows, knees, other skin folds or scalp, where it may look like severe dandruff. Psoriasis can also cause pitting in the nails and as many as 30 per cent of patients will be affected by psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint inflammation that can become debilitating.
According to a survey by the Canadian Dermatology Association, one third of respondents living with psoriasis view their condition as a significant problem in their daily life.
Is psoriasis contagious?
Some people think that psoriasis is contagious or a sign of poor hygiene. It’s not. It’s a chronic condition that can be challenging to live with.
What treatments are available?
Health Canada has authorized a variety of treatment options for moderate to severe psoriasis.
Where can I find more information?
Gathering information on your own is a great first step. Next, talk to your health-care provider. You can also become part of the greater conversation and discover people going through similar struggles with the hashtag #KnowPsO.
References:
1 Canadian Dermatology Association (n.d.). Psoriasis. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/psoriasis/
2 Gallitano, S.M. and D.S. Berson. How Acne Bumps Cause the Blues: The Influence of Acne Vulgaris on Self-Esteem. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6047192/
3 Tosti, Antonella and John Gray. Assessment of Hair and Scalp Disorders. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022 from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15526602
4 Alinaghi, Farzad et al. Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational and clinical studies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29928910/
5 Dowlatshahi, Emmilia A. et al. The prevalence and odds of depressive symptoms and clinical depression in psoriasis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24284419/
6 Gelfand, Joel M. Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Psoriasis. JAMA. Retried Nov. 4, 2022, from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/203598
7 Bhosle, Monali J et al. Quality of life in patients with psoriasis. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1501000/
8 Levy, Adrian R et al. Economic burden of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in Canada. International Journal of Dermatology. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23171010/
9 Canadian Psoriasis Network (n.d.) About Psoriasis. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://www.canadianpsoriasisnetwork.com/psoriasis/
10 National Institute of Arthritis and Muskoskeletal and Skin Diseases (n.d.) Overview of Psoriasis. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2022, from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis
11 National Institute of Arthritis and Muskoskeletal and Skin Diseases (n.d.) Overview of Psoriasis. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2022, from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis
12 Santos Paim de Oliveira, Maria de Fátima et al. Psoriasis: classical and emerging comorbidities. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4323693/
13 Mayo Clinic (n.d.). Metabolic Syndrome. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351916
14 Canadian Association of Psoriasis Patients (n.d.). Risk Factors. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2022, from https://canadianpsoriasis.ca/en/psoriasis/what-is-psoriasis/risk-factors
15 Parisi, Rosa et al. National, regional, and worldwide epidemiology of psoriasis: systematic analysis and modelling study. The BMJ. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7254147/
16 Canadian Psoriasis Network (n.d.). Forms of Psoriasis. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://www.canadianpsoriasisnetwork.com/psoriasis/forms-of-psoriasis/
17 Canadian Psoriasis Network (n.d.). Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://www.canadianpsoriasisnetwork.com/psoriatic-arthritis/
18 Pearl, Rebecca L. et al. Stigmatizing attitudes toward persons with psoriasis among laypersons and medical students. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962218324654
19 Gupta, MA et al. Perceived deprivation of social touch in psoriasis is associated with greater psychologic morbidity: an index of the stigma experience in dermatologic disorders. Cutis. Retrieved Nov. 4, 2022, from https://europepmc.org/article/med/9640555
20 Canadian Dermatology Association (n.d.). Psoriasis. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/psoriasis/
21 Canadian Dermatology Association (n.d.). Psoriasis. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://dermatology.ca/public-patients/skin/psoriasis/
22 Canadian Psoriasis Network (n.d.). Treatments for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved Oct. 23, 2022, from https://www.canadianpsoriasisnetwork.com/psoriasis-treatment/
