Effects of Psoriasis.
“25% of the people with psoriasis lost on an intimate relationship because of their psoriasis.”
As explained in psoriasis, this is a disorder of the skin due to an improper immune system function. Though the symptoms and signs of psoriasis are limited to the skin, scalp and nails, psoriasis complications can run deep and can pose serious risks.
Outlook of Psoriasis.
That psoriasis is a lifelong companion is a fact because there is no cure. The course of psoriasis is marked by remissions and relapses. Relapses often end in remissions and clearance of this disease on its own.
At times, the plaques can persist for years. Though the skin cells multiply at a very rapid rate, they do not mutate and form cancer cells. However, certain dangers of psoriasis do exist which can manifest into complications which are explained below.
Impact of Psoriasis.
Depending on the severity, location and type of psoriasis, side effects of psoriasis occur.
Health Complications of Psoriasis.
1) Local skin complications.
Due to severe and chronic itching, scratching of the psoriatic skin can cause it to become thickened, inflamed and infected.
2) Psoriasis and Folate Deficiency.
Psoriasis patients are at a greater risk of developing folate deficiency. Folate belongs to the vitamin B’complex family and serves important uses in the body. Folate is useful for formation of new blood cells, preventing birth defects and also prevents high levels of homocysteine, as a result of which there is increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Deficiency of folate due to psoriasis can nullify these benefits of folates.
3) Psoriasis and Obesity, Diabetes and Heart Risks.
It is found that in patients of psoriasis, there is an increased incidence of these conditions. There is no confirmation but a genetic link cannot be ruled out. The cause could lie in the fact that people with psoriasis are more likely to develop atherosclerosis than people who do not have this disease. The underlying link could be the chronic inflammation which is present in psoriasis patients. People who have moderate to severe psoriasis should be periodically screened and tested to rule out presence of these conditions.
4) Psoriasis and Skin Cancer.
Severe psoriasis being treated with systemic therapy develop an increased risk of cancer, particularly skin cancer and lymphomas. However, risk of non melanoma skin cancer is high in patients of psoriasis, regardless of the treatment given.
5) Psoriasis and Impaired Temperature Regulation.
This effect of psoriasis is seen in erthyrodermic or exfoliative psoriasis, in which the skin of the whole body becomes red and inflamed resulting in loss of the skin function of regulating body temperature.
6) Psoriasis and Stress.
Living with the ugly appearance and truth of psoriasis, the patient undergoes psychological changes which have long term complications. These emotional and social effects result into low self esteem and even depression. Having these ugly and itching plaques on the body does make him a stray and he or she can no longer socialize. He withdraws into his own and this only adds to his anxiety and stress.
Severe relapses make him frequently stay absent from work or school and can result in job loss. Expenses of treatment are high (explained in psoriasis) and losing a job only adds to the stress.
In relation to the psychological effects of psoriasis, a national survey conducted in the USA found that in persons with severe psoriasis,
- 20% lost their jobs because of this disease,
- 25% lost on an intimate relationship because of their psoriasis.
- 43% said that they could not make new friends because of their psoriasis.
- 83% of these patients were dissatisfied with their treatment.
- Another study indicated that 75% of psoriatic patients felt loss of confidence.
- One other study indicates that 8% of persons with psoriasis felt that it was not worth living.
Patients of psoriasis must have help in this regard and should join support groups. This will remove the feeling of isolation and help in living with this condition.
7) Alcohol, Smoking and Psoriasis.
This is an aftermath of the low self esteem and depression associated with psoriasis. Due to anxiety and stress, the psoriatic patient turns to consuming alcohol and smoking to drown his emotional sorrow.
Studies have found that mortality in psoriasis is contributed significantly by heavy drinking. And to make matters worse, alcohol and smoking contribute as triggers to the development and relapses of psoriasis.
Von Zumbusch Psoriasis.
This is a form of psoriasis, which is a combination of pustular and erthrodermic psoriasis, but is considered as a complication because it can make the patient very ill and can at times be fatal. The onset of von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis is abrupt. The skin becomes red, painful and tender and in a matter of hours, pustules appear. They dry and peel off within 24 to 48 hours leaving a smooth and glazed skin. A fresh crop of pustules may appear. Eruptions come in waves and can last for days or weeks.
Von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis is accompanied by fever with chills, dehydration due to loss of body fluids, electrolyte imbalance, fatigue, anemia, weight loss and muscular weakness. Immediate medical attention with hospitalization is required to replenish the lost body fluids and electrolytes and to ward off infection with antibiotics.
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