Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Kasturba Medical College, Light House Hill Road, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

2 Department of Dermatology, Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Attavar, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic skin disorder. Information regarding its clinic-epidemiological manifestations is limited in parts of Asia. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors, clinical presentation, and management of psoriasis among patients in Mangalore, India.
Methods: The medical records of 225 psoriasis patients over the past ten years (from January 2009 till March 2019) were examined by the investigators. Data were collected using a semi-structured form.
Results: The mean age at diagnosis of psoriasis was 42.2 ± 16.0 years. Nail psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) were present in 66 (29.3%) and 21 (9.3%) patients, respectively. Relapse of psoriasis was seen more among patients with a history of disease exacerbation in winter (P=0.009) or in rainy seasons (P=0.031). Systemic therapy with methotrexate and topical therapy with steroids were used in the management of 52 (23.1%) and 72 (32%) patients, respectively. Phototherapy (n=11) was the most common modality used among the 18 patients with extensive psoriasis. Co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus (P=0.02) and complications like PsA (P=0.008) were associated with greater disease durations among the patients.
Conclusion: The proportion of patients with extensive psoriasis was high in the current setting probably because of delayed diagnosis. Awareness about the disease and its clinical manifestations might help in its early identification. Seasonal exacerbation was an important risk factor for psoriasis and it was associated with its relapse. The most common management modalities were topical steroids for psoriasis and phototherapy for extensive psoriasis.
 
 

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