From thestar.com.my
There’s a greater need for psoriasis awareness and more support for its patients
KUALA LUMPUR: Kenderick Lee was 24 and carving out a successful career in the corporate world when a diagnosis of the skin disease psoriasis somewhat stopped him in his tracks.
What started merely as a scalp issue ended up affecting his way of walking.
“I was diagnosed with pustular psoriasis which developed into psoriatic arthritis as I had already problems concerning arthritis, so all of these issues sort of combined and left me limping,” he said.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, usually affecting the knees, elbows and scalp. It is not contagious, but there is no cure.
During the early stages after his diagnosis, Lee lost many of his friends.
“As a young person going through a chronic condition and just starting a career, it was such a chaotic time.
“There were friends who left me. I believe there should be some awareness about the condition so more people are educated about it,” he added.
Still, he has gained “gems” who stood by him.
“I found those who remained by my side,” said Lee, who is in the insurance sector.
Lee, now 35, has found refuge in a treatment called biologics.
“I have been receiving biologics for nine years,” he said, adding that it has enabled him to pursue regular, daily activities such as exercising.
Biologics are derived from natural proteins found in living cells. Commonly injected into patients every month, they work by targeting the underlying cause of psoriasis – excessive skin cell growth due to an overactive immune system.
The treatment, however, does not come cheap.
Lee pays about RM38,000 a year for the monthly injections. He hopes the government could consider subsidising the treatment for those relying on biologics.
“I am part of a programme in which my treatments are subsidised, which works well for me,” said Lee, who was present at an event on Saturday to mark World Psoriasis Day.
According to the US-based National Psoriasis Foundation, World Psoriasis Day is held annually on Oct 29 to honour “the 125 million people worldwide who face life with the challenges and frustrations of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis”.
Dr Azura Mohd Affandi, the Health Ministry’s National Head of Dermatology Subspeciality, said biologics can ease psoriasis symptoms by as much as 90% to 100%.
Based on the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry for 2020-2022, there is a slight male predominance in psoriasis patients.
Dr Azura, who is also the head of the Dermatology Department at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, said the registry is voluntary.
From 2007-2022, it has registered 28,795 psoriasis patients, with 93.6% being adults and 6.4% under the age of 18.
“The number of affected patients is actually higher,” Dr Azura said.
Another study published based on data collected from Johor Baru revealed a prevalence rate of 0.34% of the population.
Given Malaysia’s 34 million population, she estimated that around 117,884 people in the country may be affected by the condition.
Psoriasis Association Malaysia interim president Sofia Lovi Ramasany said biologics should be made more accessible for psoriasis patients in the country.
She hopes the government would look into making biologics more available as fewer than 400 patients have access to it.
“Another pressing matter to highlight is the rare psoriasis type, which is the generalised pustular psoriasis. It can be life threatening if it’s not being treated promptly.
“People like us are not just prone to skin issues but also psoriatic arthritis where it will impact our joints and mobility.
“We need support from the government and community to have a transformation where the condition is understood and supported.“Patients who are diagnosed with psoriasis are also likely shunned from society and this could negatively impact their mental health as well,” she said.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/11/more-than-a-skin-deep-problem
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