Extracted from NST (8/4/2007) pertaining to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by the Dermatological Society of Malaysia.

 ·         Psoriasis is not contagious skin disease

·         Psoriasis is an inheritable condition that results in localised or extensive inflamed scaly skin lesions that can affect any part of the skin.

 ·         It frequently occurs on the scalp, and the outer aspects of the elbows, knees and shins.

 ·         In a person with psoriasis, the skin immune system is altered and certain activated white cells (T-cells) speed up the growth cycle of skin cells; instead of shedding, the cells pile up and form thickened scales on the skin surface.

 ·         Approximately 10 to 30 per cent of people with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis. This affects the joints of the fingers and toes and may involve the neck, lower back, knees and ankles. In severe cases, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling and cause irreversible damage to joints.

 ·         Psoriasis is a lifelong disease and it affects about two to three per cent of Malaysians (similar to worldwide figures).

·         Psoriasis is often misdiagnosed by patients, pharmacists and doctors as dandruff, ringworm or eczema.

·         Visit the PDM website at www.dermatology.org.my for more information like list of hospitals and clinics where you can get diagnosed; and attend the public forum where you can hear firsthand from psoriasis experts about this misunderstood disease.