By: Geraldus Sigap
The Importance of Empathy & Social Support
People living with psoriasis face not only physical challenges but also psychological and social barriers, such as:
- Feeling self-conscious due to fear of being seen as “dirty” or “infectious.”
- Social isolation or decreased self-confidence because of visible skin symptoms.
- Delayed medical consultation due to embarrassment or lack of information.
That’s why family, friends, colleagues, and the community play a vital role in providing support, understanding, and helping patients access appropriate care.
Take Action for Your Skin Health
- Recognize early symptoms and don’t ignore them.
If you notice red, scaly patches, itching or soreness, nail changes, or joint pain, consult a dermatologist promptly. - Manage triggers
Factors like stress, smoking, obesity, skin infections, and dry weather can trigger or worsen psoriasis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. - Join support groups and public education initiatives
Connecting with advocacy groups or health campaigns helps raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding psoriasis.
Holistic and Integrated Care
Since psoriasis can involve the joints or other health conditions, a multidisciplinary approach, involving dermatologists, rheumatologists, and other healthcare professionals, is highly recommended.
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition that requires long-term commitment to management. Regular consultations with doctors, adherence to prescribed therapy, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle help minimize the risk of flare-ups. Routine check-ups remain essential even when the skin looks normal, to ensure the condition stays under control and any signs of worsening can be detected early.
RS Abdi Waluyo provides specialized care through its Dermatology and Venereology (Skin & Genital) Department, offering a comprehensive approach for psoriasis management.
Available services include: Dermatology consultation, Topical and systemic therapies, and Regular monitoring of skin and joint conditions. Contact RS Abdi Waluyo at 021-3144989 or make an online appointment via https://abdiwaluyo.com/
FAQ
- What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis results from a combination of genetic factors, an overactive immune system, and environmental triggers such as stress, infection, or skin injury.
- Can psoriasis be completely cured?
Currently, there is no definitive cure, but symptoms can be well-managed with medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring.
- Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Psoriasis is not caused by bacteria or viruses and cannot spread through physical contact. It is an autoimmune condition.
- When should I see a doctor?
Seek medical attention if you experience persistent red, scaly skin patches, nail deformities, or joint pain. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve outcomes.
- How can RS Abdi Waluyo help people with psoriasis?
RS Abdi Waluyo offers specialized dermatology services for comprehensive psoriasis care, including evaluation of skin and joints, tailored therapies, and integrated follow-up.
References:
- Nair PA, Badri T. Psoriasis. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448194/
- Raharja, A., Mahil, S. K., & Barker, J. N. (2021). Psoriasis: a brief overview. Clinical medicine (London, England), 21(3), 170–173.
