MY LIFE, MY SKIN

Living better with

psoriasis
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
THE DISEASE AND ITS TREATMENT

CONSULTATION LEAFLET
 One side for the patient
with a more visual layout

This leaflet is a tool to help

you inform your patients about
psoriasis and its treatment,
and advise them on how to live
better with the disease and One side for the doctor
resuming the elements shown to

maintain a good quality of life the patient with the key points to convey
WHAT IS PSORIASIS?
Autoimmune disease:
PSORIASIS IS A NON-CONTAGIOUS, CHRONIC,
the immune system attacks normal tissues
AUTOIMMUNE SKIN DISEASE (1)
in the body. (1)

1 month *(2) 3 or 4 days *(2)

THE CAUSES (2,3):
Genetic
predisposition
Scales =
dead skin

Contributing
STRESS
factors

1.5 to 3% of the general population

affected in Europe (4)

Normal skin Patient with psoriasis

* renewal of skin

1 DISEASE
WHAT IS PSORIASIS?

• Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease caused by a problem with the

immune system which leads it to attack the normal constituents of the body (1).

• Although psoriasis causes red skin patches covered with scales, the condition is
non-contagious.

• The thickening of the skin is the result of accelerated cell renewal:

normally, skin cells renew themselves in one month; with psoriasis, this process
takes only 3 or 4 days (2,3).

• The exact origin of psoriasis is still unknown. However, it is triggered by a

combination of genetic predisposition and certain environmental factors
(for example: stress, infections or the use of certain medications) (2,3).

• In Europe, psoriasis affects 1.5 to 3% of the general population (4).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS?

Psoriasis patches (1,5) Occurs as flare-ups (6)

Red patches covered with

white skin scales

Affects the joints (6)

Itching (6)

1 DISEASE
 WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS?

• Psoriasis is characterised by red patches covered with white scales (1,5).

• 72 to 87% and 20 to 28% of patients with psoriasis reported

itching and burning, respectively (6).

• Psoriasis occurs in the form of flare-ups and strongly affects

quality of life (6).

• 10 to 30% of people with psoriasis may present with joint pains. This is
known as 'psoriatic arthritis’. Pain and stiffness may be present most of the
day and make it difficult to fall asleep at night. Exercises help to lead an active and
productive life. Psoriatic arthritis is treatable with the help of a dermatologist and
a rheumatologist (2,7).
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PSORIASIS? (2)

Plaque psoriasis Guttate psoriasis Pustular psoriasis Erythrodermic psoriasis Inverse psoriasis

1 DISEASE
 WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PSORIASIS?

• Plaque psoriasis (more than 80% of cases): raised patches of inflamed,

itchy and painful skin with scales (2).

• Guttate psoriasis (about 8%): papules which often appear on the arms, legs and
torso. This form can often suddenly develop after a streptococcal throat infection
(2)
.

• Pustular psoriasis: pustules that may be surrounded by inflamed or reddened

skin (2).

• Erythrodermic psoriasis: intense redness and shedding of skin layers in large

sheets. Accompanied by fluctuations in body temperature, this very rare form
requires rapid treatment (2).

• Inverse psoriasis: inflamed dark red skin that is smooth and not scaly.
It affects the skin folds of the body (for example: armpits, under the breasts,
genital area, and buttocks) (2).
WHERE DOES PSORIASIS OCCUR? (2,5)

Hands and nails Face and scalp

Where the skin folds

or bends Friction area

1 DISEASE
 WHERE DOES PSORIASIS OCCUR?

• Friction areas: knees, legs, lower back (5).

• Scalp (over 60% of patients) (2).

• Nails (50% of patients) (2).

• Surfaces of the skin that bend or fold: groin, armpits,

under the breasts or between the buttocks (5)...

• Palms of the hands and soles of the feet (2).

• Face: eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip,
the upper forehead (2).

• Genital area of women or men: pubis, vulva, penis (2).

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR PSORIASIS? (6)

Topical treatments PUVA therapy Systemic medications

(creams, ointments and lotions) (exposure to ultraviolet light) (oral or injected)

2 TREATMENTS
 WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR PSORIASIS?

• Treatment usually helps to keep your psoriasis under control (5).

• The treatment depends on: the type and severity of psoriasis,

and the area of skin affected (5).

• Topical treatments are intended for widespread psoriasis,

areas with thick adherent scale, and scalp or hair-bearing areas (8).

• Phototherapy uses ultraviolet light (UVA or UVB) that slows the growth
of skin cells (5).

• In psoriasis that is either moderate or severe but with a strong impact

on patient quality of life, treatment is systemic.
Systemic treatments have two possible mechanisms of action (5,6):
✓ reduction of inflammation,
✓ regulation of skin renewal.
WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT TRIGGER OR WORSEN FLARE-UPS? (9)

Shaving Stress Infections Smoking Excess weight (6,10)

Skin injury Seasons Certain medications Alcohol

2 TREATMENTS
 WHAT ARE THE FACTORS THAT TRIGGER OR WORSEN FLARE-UPS?

• Psoriasis worsening and flare-ups can be caused by certain factors (6,9):

shaving, skin injury, certain infections, stress, certain medications, excess weight,
excessive alcohol or smoking, or the seasons.

• Identify the factors that encourage your flare-ups and try to avoid them (9,10).

• This means avoiding skin irritation or wounds (scratching, cutting, getting bitten by
insects, etc.), moisturising daily, not taking medication without medical advice,
consulting a doctor if you have an infection, cutting out alcohol and tobacco that
can worsen the disease, and managing stress where possible (9).
TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN

Moisturising Limit your showers and baths Mild soap

Lukewarm water

2 TREATMENTS
 TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN

• Keep your skin well moisturized (9,10).

• Limit your showers and baths, and use lukewarm water (9,10).

• Use a mild soap that contains added oils (9,10).

ADOPTING A BALANCED DIET

INCREASE (11) REDUCE (12,13)

Fruits and vegetables Wholegrains Sugary foods and drinks Salty foods

Fish Alcohol Fatty foods

3 LIFESTYLE
 ADOPTING A BALANCED DIET

• A balanced diet can improve health (5).

• T here are no specific recommendations for psoriasis, but making healthy eating
choices can help in the management of your disease (2).

• F or a balanced diet, it is recommended to (12):

✓ opt for: fruits and vegetables, high-fibre starchy foods, beans, pulses, fish,
and unsaturated oils;

✓ limit: alcohol, sugary foods and drinks, as well as salty or fatty foods.
WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Choose one that you enjoy Be careful with:

Blows/injuries

Irritations

3 LIFESTYLE
 WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

• Physical activity can help to reduce flare ups (14).

 study of over 86 000 women has shown that sport can prevent the risk of
•A
psoriasis (15).

• There are no restrictions in terms of physical activity but (2,11):

✓ wear loose, breathable or moisture-wicking clothing

to avoid irritation;

✓ talk to your health care provider before beginning

any new exercise program.
WHERE YOU CAN GET HELP, IF YOU NEED IT

Your doctor Occupational physician (16) Patient association (17)

(specialist / general practitioner)

3 LIFESTYLE
 WHERE YOU CAN GET HELP, IF YOU NEED IT

• As a general rule, psoriasis is compatible with work or a normal education (16,17).

• If flare-ups disrupt you, there are solutions:

✓ the occupational physician can develop strategies

to help you stay at work (16);

✓ a patient association to meet other patients, get advice,

and share experiences (17).
TRUE OR FALSE?

(10,16)

(6,10) TRUE
FALSE

Psoriasis is a The sun can

psychological disease be good for psoriasis

(10,16)

FALSE
Psoriasis is
contagious
(1)

FALSE

3 LIFESTYLE
 TRUE OR FALSE?

• Psoriasis is a disease which involves a combination of genetics and environmental

factors. Stress is an aggravating factor (6,10).

• P soriasis is not contagious. It cannot be caught (1).

• The benefits of the sun in psoriasis can be positive, but excessive exposure can
make symptoms worse. It is important to protect your skin.
Use a sunscreen with the most appropriate SPF (Sun Protection Factor) (10,16)
.
REFERENCES

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Psoriasis. August 18, 2020. Available at: https://www.euro-pso.org/about-psoriasis/ (website accessed in April 2022).
2. National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriasis. November 19, 2021. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/ (website accessed in April 2022).
3. European Umbrella Organisation for Psoriasis Movements (EUROPSO). About Psoriasis. Available at: https://www.euro-pso.org/about-psoriasis/ (website accessed in April 2022).
4. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Guideline on clinical investigation of medicinal products indicated for the treatment of psoriasis. November 18, 2004.
Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/scientific-guideline/guideline-clinical-investigation-medicinal-products-indicated-treatment-psoriasis_en.pdf (document accessed in April 2022).
5. National Health Service (NHS). Overview Psoriasis. April 8, 2022. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/ (website accessed in April 2022).
6. World Health Organization (WHO). Global report on PSORIASIS. October 26, 2016. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/global-report-on-psoriasis (document accessed in April 2022).
7. Arthritis society. Psoriatic arthritis. Available at: https://arthritis.ca/about-arthritis/arthritis-types-(a-z)/types/psoriatic-arthritis (website accessed in April 2022).
8. National lnstitute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Psoriasis: assessment and management. September 1, 2017. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg153 (document accessed in April 2022).
9. American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). Psoriasis. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis (website accessed in April 2022).
10. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Psoriasis. Available at: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/psoriasis (website accessed in April 2022).
11. psoriasisSPEAKS. Diet and exercice. Available at: https://www.psoriasis.com/living-with-psoriasis/psoriasis-diet-exercise (website accessed in April 2022).
12. National Health Service (NHS). Eating a balanced diet. March 27, 2022. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/ (website accessed in April 2022).
13. John Hopkins Medicine. Psoriasis Diet: Foods to Eat and Avoid If You Have Psoriasis.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/psoriasis-diet-foods-to-eat-and-avoid-if-you-have-psoriasis (website accessed in April 2022).
14. Creakyjoints. Exercising with Psoriatic Arthritis: How to Get Started and Work Out Safely. October 21, 21.
Available at: https://creakyjoints.org/about-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis/psa-healthy-living/psoriatic-arthritis-exercise/ (website accessed in April 2022).
15. Frankel HC et al. The Association between physical activity and the risk of incident psoriasis. Arch Dermatol 2012;148(8):918-24.
16. The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA). Further resources. https://www.papaa.org/learn-about-psoriasis-and-psoriatic-arthritis/further-resources/ (website accessed in April 2022).
17. Psoriasis association. Psoriasis FAQs. March 2020. Available at: https://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/psoriasis-faqs (website accessed in April 2022).
 psoriasis
Living better with

PEN-INT/10-2023/023 - GL-MTX-2300001 - RNC2239