People living with psoriasis face the reality of their condition at all times. Red, scaly patches on the skin, the itch that won’t go away, the stares, invasive questions and comments, and the never-ending physical pain. 

Living with psoriasis is more than a skin condition. This disease is a daily physical, emotional and psychological battle for one million South Africans living with this chronic disease,1 and can cause mental stress, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.2On top of this, people living with psoriasis also face social stigma,1as the disease is often difficult to hide. The stigma can negatively impact their mental health and can result in people living with the disease, isolating themselves.1 

What is psoriasis? 

Psoriasis is a serious lifelong skin condition, where the body makes new skin cells at an alarming rate, causing the cells to pile up on the skin’s surface.3 This causes thick, scaly lesions, called plaques.3  

Psoriasis can affect children, as young as 15-years-old, women and men across all racial lines.4And the impact of psoriasis can be devastating to other organs and tissues in the body.4 

Many people diagnosed with psoriasis are often overweight and have higher cholesterol.1 These health concerns, coupled with the severity of psoriasis, lead to an increased risk for vascular disease, causing heart attacks, strokes, and premature death,1as the inflammation can harm the arteries and veins.1 

Symptoms associated with psoriasis  

Although psoriasis can present on any part of the body,3it is most common on the knees, elbows, lower back, scalp,2legs, face, palms and the soles of the feet. 5Symptoms are different for everyone,5 and can include, 

• Red patches covered with thick, silvery scales5
• Stiff, swollen and painful joints2,5
• Itching and burning5
• Dry and cracked skin.5

Clear skin is achievable  

Although there is no cure for psoriasis, people living with this disease don’t have to suffer. Dermatologists can prescribe treatment options that can reduce or eliminate symptoms,6 bringing much-needed relief to people living with psoriasis. These treatment options can include topical treatments to help prevent the skin from becoming too dry,2, 6oral medication,2 light therapy,2 and breakthrough biologics that makes it possible for a patient to achieve clear skin. 

People with symptoms of psoriasis should seek medical treatment from a dermatologist who will prescribe effective treatment options.3Should you need ongoing treatment, enquire with your medical aid to access effective treatment to help achieve clear skin. Remember, effective psoriasis treatment can also prevent other serious health concerns like diabetes or psoriatic arthritis,3and help people with the condition live a fulfilled and healthy life. 

People living with psoriasis should also educate themselves about this debilitating disease, recognise what triggers cause their psoriasis to flare-up, and then make lifestyle changes to avoid the triggers.3 The #MoreThanSkinDeep Facebook page is a valuable resource that shares information about the impact of living with psoriasis. Lastly, remember a good skincare routine and healthy lifestyle can help.3  

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ISSUED ON BEHALF OF JANSSEN PHARMACEUTICA BY G&G DIGITAL. 

About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. 

At Janssen, we’re creating a future where disease is a thing of the past. We’re the Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, working tirelessly to make that future a reality for patients everywhere by fighting sickness with science, improving access with ingenuity, and healing hopelessness with heart. We focus on areas of medicine where we can make the biggest difference: Cardiovascular & Metabolism, Immunology, Infectious Diseases & Vaccines, Neuroscience, Oncology, and Pulmonary Hypertension. 

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References 

1. Health24. Severe psoriasis linked to earlier death. https://www.news24.com/health24/Medical/Skin/News/severe-psoriasis-linked-to-earlier-death-20170908. Accessed on 27 January 2021.
2. Psoriasis Association. Types & Treatments. http://psoriasis.org.za/types-treatments/. Accessed on 27 January 2021.
3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Psoriasis: Overview. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/overview. Accessed on 27 January 2021.
4. National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/. Access on 27 January 2021.
5. Mayo Clinic. Psoriasis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840. Accessed on 27 January 2021.
6. National Psoriasis Foundation. Treatments for Psoriatic Disease. https://www.psoriasis.org/treatments-for-psoriatic-disease/. Accessed on 1 February 2021.