On the occasion of World Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Day on 29 October, the Medical Division of our Group, commercial representative of AMGEN in Cyprus, has organised a campaign to inform and raise awareness among the public about this important health issue.
The campaign is held under the auspices of the Cyprus Society of Dermatology & Venereology, the Cyprus Rheumatology Society, the Cyprus Medical Association, and the Cyprus League of People with Rheumatism.
It is important to know that:
– 125 million people worldwide suffer from psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis, and it is estimated that currently there are approximately 22,500 patients with this health condition in Cyprus.
– Psoriasis is not contagious and is classified as mild, moderate or severe according to its severity.
– The presence of psoriasis plaques on certain areas of the body, such as the scalp and/or face, palms and/or soles, nails and genitals, or the presence of intense itching, classifies psoriasis as moderate.
– The signs and symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis may often resemble those of other conditions (e.g. dermatitis, other rheumatic diseases), which means that they often go undiagnosed leading to inadequate treatment and unnecessary patient suffering.
– 60% of patients with limited body surface area (BSA) affected by psoriasis (mild form) or psoriasis in special locations consider their condition to be moderate to severe, while 51% of them report that they remain undertreated.
– Psoriasis not only is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin but is also associated with an increased risk of various comorbidities, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and depression. It is therefore essential that these comorbidities are treated in conjunction with the psoriasis itself.
– Even people with mild psoriasis have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, such as a 29% higher risk of myocardial infarction and a 12% higher risk of stroke, compared to the general population. Furthermore, studies have shown that people with mild psoriasis are 45% more likely to be obese than those without the condition.
– In evaluating patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, their mental state should also be taken into account as it plays an important role in the selection of appropriate treatment.
– There are currently effective and safe treatment options available for patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can result in the improvement of symptoms and physical function, leading to an improved quality of life for patients suffering from psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis.
