WHAT IS PSORIASIS?
OVERVIEW OF PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a non-curable autoimmune skin disease
In affected individuals, skin cell multiply at a rapid rate, pushing old skin to the surface, forming red scaly patches
Psoriasis is not contagious and cannot be spread to others through the touching of the skin or open wound
In 2018, psoriasis affected about 125 million people worldwide and 800,000 Malaysians
The chances of developing psoriasis is increased when a family member has the disease. However, people with a family history of the condition may not ever develop psoriasis
PSORIASIS STATS
Psoriasis can occur at any age, but most people develop psoriasis during adulthood. On average the onset of psoriasis is between 15 and 30 years of age
By age 40, people who could get psoriasis have a 75% chance of being diagnosed with the disease. A second peak period of diagnosis can happen between 50 to 60 years of age
Up to 30% of psoriasis patients will be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis
Other serious health issues that could develop from psoriasis include kidney disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and depression
An estimated 125 million people are diagnosed with psoriasis globally,which is equivalent to 2-3% of the world's population
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
IMPACT OF PSORIASIS
Psoriasis not only affects people physically, but emotionally as well.
75%
Feel unattractive
54%
Feel depressed
31%
Have financial
distress
8%
Are restricted to
working at home
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT PSORIASIS
Myth: Psoriasis is contagious.
Fact: Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition produced by the body's own inflammatory response. Hence, it cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Myth: Psoriasis can be cured with medication.
Fact: Psoriasis is an incurable skin condition. However, with adequate management, symptoms can be kept at bay.
Myth: Moisturizing your skin worsens psoriasis.
Fact: Using a non-irritating moisturizer can relieve the itch of psoriasis and help with skin flaking.
Myth: You don't need to wear sunscreen if you have psoriasis because your skin is thicker.
Fact: Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by over exposure to sunlight.
CLEAR ABOUT PSORIASIS SURVEY
The Clear about Psoriasis survey is the largest global survey of people with psoriasis. It reveals the hopes and aspirations of people living with the condition as well as their low expectations to achieve clear skin.
For further information about the survey, have a look at the infographics below or follow #Ask4Clear to join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
