Their condition often worsens when exposed to sunlight or hot environments, leading patients to feel self-conscious in public.
Consultant dermatologist Dr Nur Ashikin Ahmad acknowledged that psoriasis significantly affects patients’ emotions and self-esteem: many feel ashamed, insecure, and stressed owing to social stigma.
“Managing symptoms with proper treatment is essential – seeing a dermatologist for effective, up-to-date therapies can help control flare-ups. When symptoms are managed, patients feel more comfortable, reducing the impact of social stigma,” she said.
She also encourages patients to seek counselling or psychological help for emotional well-being, while joining support groups or psoriasis associations can boost morale and self-confidence through shared experience.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis occurs when the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to grow too rapidly. When these cells accumulate on the surface, they appear as thick, red, scaly rashes.
The exact cause of psoriasis is still not fully understood. However, besides immune-system irregularities, studies say genetic and environmental factors play a role.
“If someone has a family member with psoriasis, their risk of developing it is higher. We also find that women tend to develop psoriasis at a younger age compared to men,” Nur Ashikin said.
“This disease often flares up during bacterial infections, periods of stress or emotional pressure, or as a side effect of certain medications. Alcohol consumption and smoking can also be triggers.”
Nur Ashikin clarified that psoriasis is different from eczema, although it can be difficult to distinguish between the two as they both cause red and itchy skin.
“Psoriasis tends to cause thick, red, scaly rashes, usually found on the elbows and knees. It also commonly affects the scalp and body, with itching generally being moderate.
“Eczema, on the other hand, usually occurs in the folds of the elbows and behind the knees. Patients often experience intense itching that can disrupt sleep and daily activities.”
She also noted that in psoriasis patients, rashes typically appear symmetrically on both sides of the body.
“Psoriasis can also manifest differently depending on its type: guttate psoriasis (small drop-shaped patches), inverse psoriasis (occurring in body folds such as the armpits, under the breasts, and groin), and pustular psoriasis (red, swollen skin with pus-filled blisters).
“There is also erythrodermic psoriasis, the most severe form, where nearly the entire body becomes red, scaly, itchy, and painful. This condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.”
She advises individuals to consult a dermatologist if they notice symptoms such as persistent red, scaly rashes that do not heal despite using moisturising creams.
Other signs may include nail changes such as brittleness, thickening or pitting, as well as unexplained joint pain, especially if it occurs alongside skin rashes.
“Unlike psoriasis, eczema rarely causes joint pain or brittle nails,” Nur Ashikin said.
Treatment and management
Treatment for psoriasis varies for each patient depending on several factors, including disease severity (mild, moderate, or severe), the presence of psoriatic arthritis, and other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or kidney problems.
To treat skin rashes, steroid-based anti-inflammatory creams are commonly used, alongside topical treatments containing salicylic acid to soften and remove the thick scales.
Other treatment methods include phototherapy (using special UVB light to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth) and oral immunosuppressants to help control the overactive immune system.
While there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, current medications and modern therapies are effective in controlling inflammation, reducing symptoms, and preventing long-term complications.
Finally, Nur Ashikin recommends that psoriasis patients maintain a healthy diet and body weight, as obesity can worsen the condition.