Awareness Must to Avoid Complications - Urticaria, psoriasis last longer: expert

MN Report

KARACHI- Pakistan Association of Dermatologists’ vice president and a prominent skin disease specialist Dr Manzoor Memon said that public awareness about severe skin diseases - urticaria and psoriasis – is the key to prevent people from complications.

He was speaking at a news conference held here at Karachi Press Club. Chairperson U within Association Dr Muzna Ibrhaim, Dr Pir Ijlal and Dr Wajahat Khan were also present on the occasion.

Dr Memon said Urticaria which is also known as ”nettle-rash, hives” and locally as `Pitti Uchalna’ or `Chapaki’, is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps, patches, or the sudden appearance of red or white welts on the skin either as a result of allergies, or for other reasons that at times are unknown. He said hives generally causes extreme itching, burning and stinging.

“They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, lips, eyes, ear and tongue and in extreme cases swelling occurs beneath the skin”. It generally appears as a deep swelling around the eyes, lips. In more severe cases, the disease may cause swelling in the throat, tongue, or lungs and can block the airways, causing difficulty in breathing. Such a situation is potentially life- threatening.

Urticaria and psoriasis are more than just a skin condition because the disease lasts for a longer time and adversely affects the social and professional life of a patient as patients suffers from extreme stress, anxiety, frustration and lack of self-esteem.

Dr Wajahat Khan, a clinical psychiatrist and consultant, who is actively working with various groups and TV channels, spoke about mental and emotional effects of the skin diseases on the population.

Dr Muzna Ibrhaim said that aim of the U within Association is to help patients who are struggling with severe skin conditions to become comfortable in their own skin and eventually rediscover themselves.

She said this has been only made possible by an expert panel of consultants and dermatologists who provide our members free consultation, guidance and counselling.

She said U within Association has taken several steps to support the cause, primarily by creating awareness through events and campaigns for doctors and patients.

The association, she added, has provided a platform to the patients to express their feelings and have open discussions which help them understand that they are not alone in this.

Later, she thanked various pharmaceutical firms for providing medication to the association’s members and patients at subsidized rates.