Winter ambush'Psoriasis affects joints and cardiovascular vessels as there are many cases of psoriasis in their 20s
Nov 20, 2024
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In the case of psoriasis patients, they often feel difficulty in interpersonal relationships due to prominent skin lesions and shrink themselves. In particular, there are many cases where it is caused by not washing well or misunderstood as an infectious disease. As a result, most patients with psoriasis experience severe deterioration in quality of life, and there are studies showing that the quality of life is lower if psoriasis is severe or occurs at a young age (a 2017 study on the impact of quality of life due to psoriasis).
Skin symptoms of psoriasis are usually more pronounced in dry and cold winter months. With the help of Kim Hye-sung, a dermatologist at the Catholic University of Korea's Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, we will learn about psoriasis in winter.
◇ is white dead skin cells that stand out more in winter
Psoriasis patients vary greatly depending on race, climate, and region. It is estimated that 2% to 3% of the global population and 0.5% to 1% of the domestic population are psoriasis patients. Psoriasis can occur in any age group, from children to the elderly, but the first time it occurs is most common in the 20s. If psoriasis begins at a young age, it is more likely to have a family history of psoriasis or a more severe course than if it occurs after middle age.
The cause of psoriasis is not yet clear, but it has been reported to be due to an innate immune system imbalance. Among immune cells, Th1 and Th17 cells are activated, and they secrete various inflammatory substances to stimulate keratinocytes to proliferate. In addition to environmental factors, skin trauma such as tattoos, infections, cold and dry climates, stress, and certain drugs are also known to deteriorate or cause psoriasis.
If you think of psoriasis as a disease limited to the skin, you are wrong. Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease that affects various areas such as joints and cardiovascular systems in addition to the skin. In fact, it was found that psoriasis patients are much more likely to be accompanied by joint deformation, myocardial infarction, stroke, diabetes (type 2), inflammatory bowel disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome than the general population. The main symptom is skin itching. Managing skin itching while receiving psoriasis treatment can improve patients' satisfaction and quality of life.
Recently, unlike in the past, systemic treatment is recommended even if the skin lesion of psoriasis is limited. In particular, psoriasis can affect joint deformation or cardiovascular system over time, so active initial intervention is needed as a preventive measure.
Professor Kim Hye-sung said, `Psoriasis treatment has been remarkable due to the recent introduction of biological agents"Initial treatment alone can eliminate all psoriasis skin lesions" he stressed. However, it is important to remember that constant maintenance, management, and treatment are needed, such as high blood pressure and diabetes," he added.
◇ Avoid drinking, smoking, and irritating skin, and regular lifestyle habits are important
To prevent worsening of psoriasis, it is recommended to refrain from drinking or smoking and avoid actions that hurt or irritate the skin. Tattoos can cause psoriasis in the area. It is also good to be careful about the act of pushing strong dirt. If your skin is dry, it is better to apply moisturizer well as the dead skin looks more prominent.
Although some people control their diet mainly based on vegetarianism, such meals have never been proven to help with psoriasis. It is recommended to eat food evenly rather than severely restricting food. However, psoriasis patients are often accompanied by cardiovascular disease and obesity, so it is recommended to refrain from carbohydrates, sugars, and fatty foods for weight control.
Professor Kim Hye-sung said, `If psoriasis is treated with biological drugs in the early stages, I can get along well without skin lesions to the point where I forget that I am a patient"It is important to maintain a regular lifestyle and visit a dermatology hospital to be diagnosed and treated in time" he said.
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bellho@sportschosun.com
