An epidemiological study on psoriasis revealed that the prevalence and incidence of psoriasis in India have been on a steady rise.
It’s a chronic, inflammatory condition that mainly affects the skin, nails, and joints with red, patchy, itchy skin. But what’s causing this increase in the incidence of psoriasis in India.
Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder that several factors can trigger. Psoriasis is not just a physical malady but, psoriasis patients often complain of the severe mental toll that this disease has on them.
From lowering self-esteem and confidence to suffering from depression and mental breakdown, psoriasis can severely impact one’s quality of life. To raise awareness about this plaguing problem and offer insight into natural prevention, I have penned this blog.
Also Read: Smoking and Psoriasis: Understanding the Risks and How to Reduce Them
5 Reasons why incidences of Psoriasis in India are rising
The stress and strains of modern life
Stress is a silent killer. It increases the risk factors for several diseases including psoriasis. Increased stress levels in the modern-day along with rising cases of anxiety and depression are one of the contributing factors to the spike in psoriasis.
The worst thing is that stress and psoriasis make a vicious circle. While an increase in the levels of stress increases the risk of psoriasis; psoriasis itself is a source of stress and mental agony.
Simple destressing techniques like yoga, meditation, pranayama, massages, physical activities, forest bathing, and other therapies can help. These simple techniques can help wind down stress and keep its aftermath away!
Dependency on Medications
Studies show certain medications used for treating blood pressure, heart disease, bipolar disorder can cause flare-ups. Psoriasis symptoms may also be worst in HIV patients.
In the past decades, the incidences of these morbid diseases have also gone up. Thus, increasing people’s dependency on medications and contributing to the rise in psoriasis.
One way to tackle this problem is to go back a few steps and live an active healthy naturistic life. Little steps like maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, and keeping stress at bay can help!
Also read: Living with HIV patients
Smoking and alcohol
The new culture of pub and partying has definitely pushed the youth to a not-so-healthy path of drinking and smoking. Most men, as well as women, develop this habit of drinking and smoking either as a strategy to cope with stress or as a way to have fun. In the past few decades, drinking and smoking have become quite the trend.
As both smoking and drinking increase the risk of psoriasis, this can be a cause for the increasing numbers. And the only way to combat this risk factor is by controlling or quitting these unhealthy habits!
Also read: Smoking and psoriasis
The trend of tattoos
Research shows that trauma to the skin including tattoos can cause a flare-up of psoriasis symptoms. And this goes unsaid that tattooing has become a uber-cool trend among the youth. This too is an underlying cause for the rise in the cases of psoriasis.
Taking good care of the skin and avoiding traumas to the skin can lower the risks of psoriasis. Other than tattoos, burns, cuts, and infections, can also increase the risk of psoriasis. So, it’s good to be really sensitive about your skin!
The issues with weight
Obesity is a global problem today. Blame it on the modern lifestyle, lack of physical activity, bizarre eating habits, or unhealthy choices, obesity is spreading like a plague. And according to a 2019 study, obesity can worsen the symptoms.
Managing a healthy body weight can help lower the levels of inflammation. And the internet is oozing with inspiring stories of weight loss. Maintaining a healthy diet coupled with some form of physical exercise can help in managing weight. This can help in bringing the curve of psoriasis down.
Also read: Is walking 10,000 steps a day really necessary?
The effects of Climate change
Soaking in the sun has many benefits but getting burnt in the sun can adversely affect you. Research shows that sunburn can trigger psoriasis and also raise the risk of skin cancer.
Wearing good sunscreen and avoiding the sun at peak hours can help in lowering the risk and incidences of psoriasis. In case the sun is unavoidable then following a proper natural skincare routine can help.
Also read: Living with psoriasis
Rising incidence of psoriasis in India – Your takeaway
Psoriasis is a serious condition. It’s not fatal but it can seriously impair the quality of life. And the fact that there’s no sure cure for psoriasis makes it even worse. Thus, being proactive, avoiding triggers, and taking the right precautions can go a long way in avoiding and managing this chronic disorder.
2 comments
Its always wondering to me how Doctor Sir’s blogs manytimes are very need of the hour for me/family. Sir had advised me for my Sebborhic dermatitis some 6 months back that got resolved completely. Also advised was to reduce stress levels. Thanks to Sir as always, for always.
thank you