Health experts claimed that around 30 per cent of patients with definite psoriasis suffer extra pains and misery because of unstable skin condition for longer periods because of faulty primary treatment. Psoriasis is red patches of dead skin develop on the arms, back, chest, elbows, legs, nails, folds between the buttocks and scalp.

During a medical conference titled “Psoriasis — Challenge Continues”, ex-perts claimed that around 2 per cent of Indians are affected by psoriasis and more than 125 million people worldwide are affected with the disease. While talking about childhood psoriasis, they said that one third of the patients in the world are below the age of 18.

“Patients undergoing treatment with steroids are at maximum risk. This is because over use of steroids, orally as well as injections, makes the psoriasis condition unstable. It means the disease gets complicated and difficult to treat,” said Dr Sheilly Kapoor, a dermatologist at Medanta.

She added that overuse of steroids is seen most of the times during primary treatment and more from non-specialised practitioners. Other than steroids, the use of indigenous products to manage psoriasis is also a widespread practice that leads to worsening of the disease.

Experts said that the psoriasis could be devastating to the patient’s self-esteem and change the way they live their lives.

Dr Kapoor advised that other than availing the right treatment on time, awareness about psoriasis could also help patients overcome challenges of public humiliation and discrimination.

Experts advised that psoriasis is not contagious but awareness is needed. “With more awareness, patients will live more comfortably and feel that it’s alright to show their psoriasis spots when they go out,” they said.

Dr Kapoor further said that infection, injury, certain foods and drugs, changes in weather, sunlight, smoking, alcohol consumption, mood swings and stress could all trigger psoriasis.