JEDDAH, 18 October 2006 — Psoriasis can have a profound negative impact on the quality of life and in many cases it may lead the sufferer into a state of depression.
Psoriasis is a particularly difficult disease for young sufferers, as they are often starting new lives, building careers and developing lifelong relationships when the disease can flare. There is anecdotal evidence that young adults who have psoriasis experience prejudice as a result of their condition. This prejudice can range from a feeling of social isolation to not being considered for jobs or other opportunities.
By educating the general public about psoriasis and the impact it can have on an individual, a more thoughtful and accepting environment can be created, a internationally known dermatologist has said in a series of psoriasis lectures in Jeddah and Riyadh.
The objective of the lecture was to increase awareness of the practical aspects of ‘biologics,’ by clarifying who should be treated and how to initiate biological therapy. Dr. Richard Langley, associate professor of medicine and director of research at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada, who delivered the lecture series, also gave an overview on the results of a study conducted on 300 patients. One of the results discussed, showed the link between psoriasis and obesity.
Professor Langley also discussed the British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines, along with his personal input on the use of biological therapies on psoriasis patients. “There is a need for new therapies with fewer side effects, especially for patients with severe psoriasis that are undergoing extensive therapies,” he said.
Biological therapies or ‘biologics’ have emerged over the last 3-5 years as a potentially therapeutic option to psoriasis, but since clinical history and long-term results are limited certain guidelines have been developed to guarantee a systematic, safe and effective treatment process for psoriasis patients.
“The results I have seen from biologics have been terrific on most of my patients, especially when treating moderate to severe psoriasis, but guidelines prescribing biologics is a must, to maximize treatment effectiveness and ensure that the correct biologic treatment is presented for the patient,” he added.
Dermatologists from across the Kingdom attended the lecture series in the two cities, sponsored by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a global leader and research based company in prescription pharmaceuticals, non-prescription consumer health care products and pharmaceuticals for animal health.
A severe case of psoriasis can make its sufferers feel uncomfortable in their own skin. Their itchy condition may be more than skin deep. According to a new study, it can increase the risk of heart attack in some patients. Researchers have found that the more severe the psoriasis the higher the risk.
“It could be that the skin disease causes higher levels of inflammation in the blood. And we know that high levels of inflammation in the blood are a risk factor for having a heart attack. That’s why we think there’s this connection between psoriasis and heart attack,” Dr. Joel Gelfand of the University of Pennsylvania said. “There’s also no indication treating psoriasis can lower the risk.”
Experts say while patients should be aware of the finding, they should not be worried because the absolute risk is still pretty low. The study means people at risk should take other simple steps to lessen their heart attack risk like a better diet and more exercise.