"There Is Hope in the Treatment of Psoriasis"

Treatment Offers Hope for Psoriasis Patients

Approximately 1 million people in Turkey struggle with psoriasis. The Turkey Psoriasis Association and Novartis have launched the "Treatment Offers Hope for Psoriasis" project, aimed at drawing attention to the disease and raising public awareness. The press conference introducing the project was held with the participation of Turkey Psoriasis Association Chairman Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Gürer and association members Prof. Dr. Sibel Alper and Prof. Dr. Emel Bülbül Başkan. The meeting discussed psoriasis, its impact on quality of life, and new treatment methods. At the conference where the project video was shown for the first time, renowned music director Cem Öget, who composed the project's music, performed a live performance.

"Those with Family History of the Disease Should Be Alert"

Psoriasis is a recurrent and chronic systemic disease affecting approximately 1 million people in Turkey, arising from the effects of genetic and environmental factors. It is known among the public as psoriasis because it typically presents with bright, white scales on sharply demarcated red areas on the skin. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Gürer, noting that psoriasis occurs equally in men and women but most commonly begins between ages 25-30, stated: "Those with a family history of the disease carry greater risk compared to the general population. Stress, obesity, smoking, and alcohol use are among the main triggering factors of psoriasis. Physical trauma, certain medications, infections, and hormonal changes can also affect the course of the disease." Emphasizing that while psoriatic lesions can appear anywhere on the skin, they predominantly occur in areas such as the scalp, knees, elbows, and sacral region, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Gürer said, "Psoriasis is not merely a cosmetic problem. Some patients may develop inflammatory arthritis affecting joints of the hands, feet, elbows, and knees. The rate of occurrence of these conditions in psoriasis patients is 20-30%." Noting that psoriasis is typically diagnosed based on the appearance of skin lesions, Prof. Dr. Gürer stated that skin biopsy is performed for accurate diagnosis when lesions resemble other conditions, and various additional tests may be ordered because conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and fatty liver disease occur more frequently in psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis Is Not a Contagious Disease

Addressing the psychological dimension that psoriasis creates on patients during the conference, Prof. Dr. Sibel Alper stated, "Psoriasis is not a contagious disease. Handshakes, hugs, or similar skin contact do not transmit the disease to healthy individuals. However, unfortunately, the opposite perception exists in society. As patients are excluded from society due to this perception, they withdraw and experience increased stress." Noting that patients face discrimination in their work and personal lives and consequently suffer psychological problems due to social isolation, Prof. Dr. Alper emphasized that the rate of depression and anxiety in psoriasis patients is higher compared to the general population, and that implementing projects in cooperation between physicians and patient associations to increase public awareness of the disease is extremely important.

Treatment Offers Hope for Psoriasis Project

At the conference, the video for the "Treatment Offers Hope for Psoriasis!" project prepared by Turkey Psoriasis Association and Novartis was shown for the first time. In the project video, the journeys of psoriasis patients whose quality of life is seriously affected and who isolate themselves from family, work, and social life are symbolized through a flower metaphor—journeys that begin unhappily but continue with hope. Emphasizing that psoriasis is a treatable disease, the budding of the human body is compared to the blossoming of flowers and the patients' hopes blooming. This hope-promising project for psoriasis patients, strengthened with artistic touches, bears the signature of renowned music director Cem Öget. Performing live at the press conference, Öget made the following remarks about the project: "As physicians have also noted, there is a prejudice in society against psoriasis. To break this prejudice, we wanted to use the power of art to highlight that there should be no despair in the treatment of psoriasis and that the disease is treatable. I am very happy to be part of this project." The project aims to give hope to all patients struggling with psoriasis and to direct them without delay to a dermatologist.