Each year, more than 52,000 psoriasis patients are admitted.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy, scaly rashes, making it uncomfortable for sufferers. Therefore, it requires care and emotional support to help patients improve their quality of life.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Phan Thuy, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, the hospital receives an average of over 52,000 psoriasis patients annually. Psoriasis is not just a disease, but a challenging journey in terms of socio-psychological aspects. The hospital has continuously updated its treatment methods and established a specialized psoriasis clinic to provide patients with access to new treatment options and connect the psoriasis patient community.

"World Psoriasis Day is an opportunity for each of us to light up happiness, and each psoriasis patient is a resilient candle," shared Dr. Thuy at the exchange event commemorating World Psoriasis Day - Lighting the Candle of Happiness, held this morning, October 27th.

4 methods for treating psoriasis

Dr. Pham Thi Uyen Nhi, Deputy Head of the General Planning Department at the Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital, said that the hospital and its doctors do not promise to completely cure psoriasis, but will support patients every step of the way. Currently, there is no method in the world that can completely cure psoriasis.

There are four methods of treating psoriasis. First, topical medications help treat mild to moderate psoriasis and, in combination with other methods, help improve symptoms in more severe cases.

Secondly, whole-body light therapy (phototherapy) requires hospital visits 2-3 times per week.

Thirdly, oral medication can be used; however, its use must be prescribed by a doctor and require regular check-ups.

Fourth, treatment with biological drugs is expensive, and currently health insurance covers 40-50% of the cost at the Dermatology Hospital.

However, in addition to medical treatments, a proper diet and home care regimen are necessary, and moisturizing the skin is also an effective way to reduce itching in psoriasis.

In addition, providing mental health care for psoriasis patients is very important.

Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital organizes celebration of World Psoriasis Day.

Focus on mental health for psoriasis patients.

"Psoriasis is a benign, non-contagious disease. What's good for your health is good for psoriasis, and vice versa. Things that worsen the condition include stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and scratching or rubbing the affected areas. Therefore, mental health also affects psoriasis, and patients should limit stress. There are currently about 125 million people worldwide suffering from psoriasis. Meeting, sharing, and empathizing through community activities is also a way to reduce stress," shared Dr. Uyen Nhi.

According to pediatricians, 40% of people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis, which is very difficult to heal. Therefore, patients need to pay attention to swollen and red joints after waking up each morning. Patients should exercise and engage in gentle activities such as walking, yoga, cycling, and meditation to improve their health.

A patient with psoriasis

The causes of psoriasis include genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Patients should undergo testing to check for genetic factors and co-morbidities associated with psoriasis. Psoriasis patients often have high blood pressure, so they should also limit their salt intake.

Dr. Bui Hong Quan, a psychologist and member of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Psychological Association, said that when living happily, the patient's condition will improve. Doubt, non-acceptance, disappointment, and frustration are normal psychological reactions for patients. When patients accept the mindset of living with the disease long-term, they will have a positive attitude, and from there find a lifestyle and treatment that helps them improve day by day.

"Finding ways to soothe the itch instead of focusing on the itching sensation will help patients feel calmer and more comfortable. In cases of psoriasis symptoms, treat each itchy area gently, soothe it instead of thinking negatively. Instead of thinking about why you have the disease, think that you are much luckier than those with other chronic or incurable diseases. Medications and current medical treatments can completely improve the condition of psoriasis," shared psychologist Hong Quan.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/benh-vien-da-lieu-tphcm-moi-nam-tiep-nhan-hon-52000-benh-nhan-vay-nen-185241027142258243.htm