Fighting Psoriasis Through Awareness

Being the organ which comes in direct contact with the rest of the world – our skin plays a vital role in protecting our body from damage. Thus, it is imperative to take care good care of it. There are several skin conditions, which affect humans. Some may be mild like rashes, while some may be chronic like Psoriasis. Some people believe that psoriasis is just a common cosmetic, skin problem. Many believe it is contagious, making it one of the most stigmatized of all skin conditions and cannot be managed.

Cadila Pharma observed World Psoriasis Day across the country to dispel myths and spread awareness about the skin condition. Amongst several activities, an academia webinar on psoriasis awareness including prevention and treatment was held with participation from doctors, paramedics and the public. Several distinguished doctors guided us about Psoriasis.

“Psoriasis is chronic disease of the immune system that causes the abnormal growth of skin cells. While a normal skin cell matures in 28 to 30 days and is shed from the skin’s surface unnoticed, a psoriatic skin cell takes only 3 to 4 days to mature and move to the surface, resulting in cells piling up and forming the scaly lesions,” says Dr Nagaraja from Bangalore.

It is estimated that, worldwide, nearly 125 million people are affected, where nearly 3% of the world’s population is suffering from psoriasis and more than 1/3^rd of patients with Chronic Plaque Psoriasis (CPP) suffer from its moderate to severe form. According to Dr D. G Saple from Mumbai, “Psoriasis is a serious condition causing inflammation not only of skin but internal multisystem involvement with comorbidities, strongly affecting the way a person sees himself and the way he is seen by others causing negative effects on quality of life and other psychological issues like depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety and sexual dysfunction as well”.

Dr Bhumesh Kumar Katakam from Hyderabad said “Psoriasis is not just a cosmetic problem as skin inflammation in psoriasis is just the tip of the iceberg – there is increasing evidence suggesting links with serious health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, depression and obesity”. “It has been increasing due to the modern stressful lifestyle, lack of adequate physical activities, and associated risk of metabolic syndrome. Factors like stress, skin injury, such as a cut or bad sunburn, smoking, drinking and even a dry cold weather can trigger it. Although not a life threatening disease, Psoriasis can be difficult to live with”, shared Dr Rajdeep Mysore.

Managing Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be managed by using proper medications and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Topical treatment like creams, ointments, gels, and lotions plays a major role in controlling Psoriasis. We at Cadila Pharmaceuticals are working towards redefining the dermal treatment paradigm through skin moisturizers with essential ingredients like Pentavitin, Ceramide complex and Oatmeal extract with a water magnet effect that provides moisture reservoir, provides deep hydration and acts as the skin’s natural barrier. Quality, affordability with ease of usage stays our primary focus with the aim to make life easier, simpler and healthier for people of all walks of life.

Mr. Suresh Gupta, President, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, opined that moisturizing the skin is an accepted standard of care for treatment of psoriasis. We at Cadila are precisely addressing that issue by offering a product that is quite affordable and can be given in regular OPD setting. He also suggested that the biggest weapon in our arsenal against psoriasis is awareness. The more people become aware about the disease, the easier it will be to tackle it. Remember Psoriasis is not contagious, awareness is!

As a part of the Psoriasis Day Awareness campaign posters were also put up in clinics across India with QR codes that users could scan and access important information about psoriasis.

We at Cadila will continue to develop awareness programs around affordable solutions to tackle Psoriasis.

Disclaimer: All content contained in and available through this article are for general information and self-awareness purposes. This article has been created in good faith by Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. No representation is made as to the completeness or accuracy of the information. All rights pertaining to this post are reserved with Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd.