Psoriasis is a skin disease caused by many factors, predominant among them being a defect in the gene. It is commonly seen in the form of silvery white scales on the skin. October 29 has been observed as World Psoriasis Day since 2003 by a global consortium of patient associations around the world to create awareness about the disease. To mark the occasion, Metrolife interacted with a skin specialist, Dr B Leelavathy, Head of the Department of Skin and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD),  Lady Curzon and Bowring Hospital. Here are excerpts from the chat:

Approximately how many people in the City are afflicted by psoriasis?
About three to five per cent of Bangaloreans suffer from some type of psoriasis. But the awareness level about it is very low. Only a small literate section which is  internet-savvy has some knowledge gathered by browsing.

Does the high pollution level in the City play a role in occurrence of the disease?
The pollution level plays only an indirect role.  Psoriasis is mainly caused genetically.  However, it requires an environmental trigger to cause it and this could be an emotional aspect or even physical and mental stress. So, pollution may play the role of a trigger. The disease is seasonal in nature. So, summers are good for it while winters normally cause skin dryness and exacerbate the disease.

Which body parts are affected by psoriasis?
The nails, scalp, palms and soles (Palmoplantar psoriasis), hands and legs are commonly affected. Sometimes serious conditions occur like Generalised psoriasis characterised by scaling all over the body. 

Another severe form is psoriatic arthritis which affects the joints. Inverse psoriasis  occurs in the axilla, groin and the area below the breasts.

The two peak periods of the disease among humans are the childhood phase  (10 to 20 years) and adult phase (20 to 30 years).

Is the disease life threatening?
The disease as such does not result in mortality. But powerful medicines need to be taken to treat severe conditons  like pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. These have side-effects and affect vital body parts like kidneys and liver.

What can be done to spread awareness about the disease in the City?
Hospitals here can introduce ‘Psoriasis Weekly Clinics’ whereby a particular day in each week is devoted to the treatment of the disease.

Are there any breakthroughs in treating psoriasis?
The disease in not yet completely curable. This is an era of combination therapy and the same applies to the treatment of psoriasis too. The two major treatments followed are the Local therapy and Systemic Therapy. 
Localised treatment involves application of steroids  or coal tar ointments and emollients  to keep the  skin moist. Systemic Therapy involves the Puva method which is treatment through Psoralen tablets and ultraviolet A. Combination therapy combines coal tar ointments, retinoids and Vitamin D3 analogs.

Can preventive measures be taken to guard against it?
As it is genetic in origin, prevention is not really possible. What can be done are a few lifestyle modifications. Treatment can be taken for the disease during the initial stages,  regular follow-up done and emollients constantly used.

As a specialist, what is your advice to those affected?
To a layman, I would like to stress that psoriasis is not a contagious disease.  It does not spread due to a handshake or even intimate physical contact.

To a patient, my advice is to not keep changing the system of medicine in an effort to cure the disease. It can be kept under control by sticking to one system.