The skin, especially when it is strikingly flawless, attracts attention. Equally attracting attention is skin that is visibly red, cracking and scaly. The latter describes a flawed skin condition known as psoriasis, from the Greek word psora, which means “to itch”.
According to the World Health Organization in 2016, psoriasis is a chronic, non-communicable, painful, disfiguring and disabling disease for which there is no cure. There is some social stigma wrongly associated with it and this has some negative impact on patients’ quality of life. Psorasis can occur at any age, and is most common in the age group 50—69. The reported prevalence of psoriasis in countries worldwide ranges between 0.09% and 11.4%, making psoriasis a serious global problem.
While medically categorized and defined, the cause of psoriasis is still undetermined. However, scientific studies strongly suggest that genetic predisposition and the immune system are its possible causes. Under the category of autoimmune disease, psoriasis is a disease that affects the skin and nails.
To non-medical person, psoriasis are seen as visible marks on the skin. These are called flare ups. The common trigger of flare ups is attributed to stress, infection, sudden change of weather, and other factors. While they can be controlled, they cannot be not eradicated. Thus even if treated, the visible marks remain on the skin. This is the reason why psoriatic persons receive unwanted attention from people. Which makes it doubly difficult for psoriatic patient to deal with the disease; because, in addition to the physical and medical distress, one has to deal with the emotional and psychological stress that one suffers from social biases and prejudice.
The social stigma from these prejudiced looks and discriminatory treatment make suicidal ideation fairly-high among psoriatic patients. The heartbreaking sight of lesions, often painful when they cover large part of the body or scalp; the itch that does not seem to go away; disabling psoriatic arthritis, easily makes psoriatic person prone to depression and suicide.
For these reasons, psoriatic person or those exhibiting symptoms must immediately consult a board-certified dermatologist by the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) for proper medical attention. This is highly recommended especially at the onset of the disease. It is also very important to not yield to self-medication or to listen to unqualified medical advices in order to not make the condition worse.
A couple of months ago, a patient visited my clinic for consultation. In order to confirm the physical manifestations I observed, I did a biopsy. The result confirmed my visual observation–he has psoriasis. This patient also happened to have lymphoma. Everyone should understand that psoriasis will also flare up if the body is weakened or stressed by other diseases like HIV infection or cancer like lymphoma. Upon finding the co-existence of psoriasis and lymphoma, I immediately referred the patient to another specialist who will co-manage this medical case with me.
The lesson of this story is this: medical professionals know what is best for the patients. For psoriatic patients, hope is therefore not lost. Scientific studies continue to discover not only ways to treat psoriasis and related diseases but also ways in which to understand other medical conditions (or the co-morbidities) related to psoriatic disease.
Based on my records, the number of my psoriasis patients here in Negros Oriental is more or less a hundred. Worldwide, there are more than a hundred million already–based on the Global Report on Psoriasis at the World Health Organization conference in Switzerland last year.
Hope is brewing. There is now a sustained effort that is being undertaken by psoriasis patients together with dermatologists and rheumatologists all over the world towards building awareness regarding psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis. October is designated as psoriasis awareness month. October 29 is the World Psoriasis Day.
In the Philippines, Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil) leads this effort. Led by its founder, Mr. Josef de Guzman, together with the moderators of organization, PsorPhil amplifies this work in order to increase awareness of psoriasis disease in the country. They are the source of inspiration that inspired co-patients in other parts of the archipelago to also form psoriasis clubs in their respective areas.
Since 2015, efforts to raise awareness and to give support to patients with psoriasis in the city and neighboring areas is led by the Psoriasis Family of Dumaguete. Psoriasis patients and their families are most welcome to join us. We have quarterly activities to bring together patients and their families–from Negros Oriental and neighboring islands like Siquijor and cities like Dipolog and Dapitan. For this year, our goal is to make our community aware about psoriasis–that it is not contagious and is not connected to food allergy. Patients need not limit their diet and avoid chicken and other meats. Protein from meat is needed to replenish the protein loss caused by the flaking of dead skin.
To financially support our advocacy work, the Psoriasis Family of Dumaguete will host a pre-Valentine’s dinner for a cause on February 12, Sunday, at KRI Restaurant. The famous musical family of Dumaguete City and the musical ambassador of Silliman University, the Quizo family, will provide beautiful music to all our guests and supporters. For tickets and reservations, please call the Skin Doctor Clinic at 400-4087 or at 0915-502-8399.
Do come and join us in this work that our society urgently needs. Consider this as our heartfelt invitation.
