KUWAIT CITY, Oct 29: The Ministry of Health, represented by Al-Amiri Hospital, observed World Psoriasis Day to raise community awareness about this skin disease, support those affected, and enhance the understanding of the condition among healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers. During the celebration, Hospital Director Dr. Arej Al-Kandari informed reporters that psoriasis is prevalent in Kuwait at rates consistent with global statistics. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to providing the latest treatments available worldwide.

Dr. Al-Kandari explained that the primary aim of celebrating this day, which occurs annually on October 29, is to inform all segments of society about the nature of psoriasis and the latest developments in its treatment. This includes correcting misconceptions, recognizing the importance of the target group, assisting them, and offering support to alleviate their suffering. He highlighted the collaboration among various departments in treating psoriasis, noting its association with several other diseases, such as joint and digestive system disorders. He also mentioned the hospital's efforts to establish a special clinic that connects dermatology services at the Abdul Karim Al-Saeed Center with other departments.

Consultant Dermatologist and Skin Pathologist Dr. Mohammed Al-Otaibi, who heads the Dermatology Department at Al-Amiri Hospital, explained that psoriasis can manifest in various forms, including spots where the skin membrane bleeds but not from the entire surface. He noted that any part of the body can be affected by psoriasis; however, it tends to appear more frequently on areas such as the elbows, knees, lower back, scalp, and nails. The incidence rate varies by climate, with lower rates in hot regions and higher rates in colder ones.

According to available statistics, the global incidence of psoriasis ranges from 1% to 3%, with approximately 3% of the population affected in the Arab region, translating to around 76,000 cases in Kuwait. Dr. Al-Otaibi stated that psoriasis affects both genders equally and can occur at any age, though it is less common in infants and young children compared to adults and seniors. He reassured that psoriasis is a non-contagious disease and noted that genetics plays a significant role, as studies show that about 30% of psoriasis cases have a hereditary background.

While Dr. Al-Otaibi acknowledged that there is currently no complete cure for psoriasis, he highlighted various methods available to control the condition, aiming to stop the activity of affected areas and manage the skin cell formation cycle, thereby enabling patients to maintain a better quality of daily and social life.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawy

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times staff