Self-treating skin disease, man on stretcher due to severe joint damage

(Dan Tri) - Unlike common skin diseases, psoriasis not only manifests on the skin but also leads to a series of comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint damage...

At the celebration of World Psoriasis Day on October 29, organized by the Central Dermatology Hospital in collaboration with the Vietnam Dermatology Association and the Vietnam Psoriasis Association on October 26, Dr. Hoang Thi Phuong - Head of the Daytime Inpatient Department, Central Dermatology Hospital said that the hospital is managing about 5,000 psoriasis patients, with 20-40 inpatients receiving treatment each day.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease that requires lifelong treatment. However, if patients follow the treatment regimen, attend follow-up appointments on time, and maintain a healthy lifestyle, they can live peacefully with the disease (Photo: PV).

According to Dr. Phuong, unlike common skin diseases, psoriasis not only manifests on the skin but also leads to a series of comorbidities such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint damage... This is likened to a "domino effect" in psoriasis patients.

However, many people with psoriasis are still subjective, self-treating with "family" remedies advertised as a cure; stopping medication on their own, "praying to all directions" - using whatever medicine someone recommends.

As a result, many cases were hospitalized due to serious complications. The most common cases were still cases of prolonged corticosteroid abuse leading to musculoskeletal damage, adrenal insufficiency, and even hospitalization in critical condition.

Dr. Phuong shared the case of a 36-year-old patient who had psoriasis but self-treated it, until his skin turned red all over, his joints were severely damaged, and he could not walk, so he was admitted to the hospital in a very critical condition on a stretcher. It took a long time of treatment for the patient's condition to gradually stabilize.

MSc. Nguyen Van Thanh, Deputy Director of the Central Dermatology Hospital, said that the theme of this year's World Psoriasis Day is "Psoriasis and comorbidities - Learning about the domino effect".

MSc. Nguyen Van Thanh, Deputy Director of the Central Dermatology Hospital (Photo: Huong Huong).

MSc. Thanh said that psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that has a profound impact on the patient's quality of life, both physically and mentally. There is no complete cure for the disease, so long-term management and monitoring play a key role in the treatment strategy.

As a leading specialized hospital, the Central Dermatology Hospital has pioneered in medical examination and treatment, scientific research, training and international cooperation; at the same time, it has coordinated with provincial and city hospitals to establish psoriasis specialized clinics.

This is an important step forward, helping local people access modern treatment methods at reasonable costs, reducing the burden on the central level.

Not only focusing on expertise, the hospital and the Vietnam Psoriasis Association also regularly organize communication programs, health education and community activities, helping patients better understand the disease, overcome inferiority complexes and live more positively.

From October 27-31, the Central Dermatology Hospital will provide free examination and consultation for patients with psoriasis and other comorbidities. Patients can make an appointment via hotline 1900 6951.

Experts emphasize that early detection and comprehensive control help psoriasis patients prevent the "domino effect" on health. Patients should have regular check-ups and screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, blood lipids, liver and kidney function, anxiety and depression screening, and listen to their bodies to see a doctor early when there are unusual signs.

People with psoriasis should limit foods that are raw, high in protein, fat, and stimulants such as alcohol, beer, coffee, and cigarettes, as they can make the disease worse. Every day, patients should keep their bodies clean, bathe with warm water and mild soap, and avoid hot water and products with strong detergents.

In addition, people with psoriasis need to maintain an optimistic and cheerful spirit, and should not worry too much about the disease. Adhering to treatment will help control the disease and prevent acute attacks.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/tu-dieu-tri-benh-da-nguoi-dan-ong-nam-cang-vi-ton-thuong-khop-nghiem-trong-20251026203307185.htm