Johannesburg – Many people with underlying conditions are concerned how the Covid-19 may affect them.
Psoriasis sufferers are one such group.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that it is unknown how Covid-19 affects people with psoriasis, a condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches.
But the International Psoriasis Council has recommended that those who get a Covid- 19 positive diagnosis discuss with their doctors the possibility of discontinuing or postponing the use of immunosuppressant medications as these can cause one to develop severe Covid-19.
Dr Lushen Pillay, the head of dermatology at Helen Joseph Hospital, also agrees that with the third wave of Covid-19 in South Africa, patients need to speak to their specialists to get reduced doses of immunosuppressive medications and still manage their psoriasis.
Pillay said they are running a #MoreThanSkinDeep awareness campaign on social media as South Africans needed to be educated about the condition, as psoriasis on its own can be deadly if not managed.
It is reported that 1-million South Africans suffer from this condition. Pillay explained that psoriasis is an inherited autoimmune disease that is spurred on by several environmental factors like smoking, drinking, medications and unhealthy diet.
It is a life-long condition that develops when the skin cells multiply faster than normal, causing inflammation and leading to the build-up of skin cells, showing red patches and covered in white scales on the skin.
The condition is not caused by bad hygiene and is not contagious.
There is no cure but treatments are available.
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