Mr. N.V.G (38 years old, Dong Nai province) was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis when he was in 12th grade. Initially, his skin had patchy rashes and white scales on his chest, arms, and calves 2-3 times a year and the disease improved when treated with hospital prescriptions. However, not having the conditions to continue treatment, Mr. G used medicine according to instructions online or traditional medicine.
For about 5 years now, the disease has progressed to its most severe form, erythrodermic psoriasis with psoriatic arthritis. The fingers and toes are swollen and permanently deformed, affecting the ability to grip and walk, causing constant pain.
With such skin condition and poor health, Mr. G did not dare to start a family, and also lost his old job. He is currently a technology driver in Ho Chi Minh City. This job helps him maintain his life, reducing his dependence on his family in the countryside. He only works a maximum of 4-5 hours a day, when the burning pain all over his body and joints are relieved by painkillers.
Examining this patient, Dr. Ly Thien Phuc - Dermatology - Aesthetic Dermatology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - found that Mr. G had obvious signs of depression such as a sad, gloomy face, and a reluctance to communicate. The doctor chose to use classical oral and topical medications, moisturizers for Mr. G. At the same time, he combined psychological therapy with a psychiatrist.
According to Dr. Phuc, any person with psoriasis is at risk of depression. In particular, people with severe psoriasis, large skin lesions, the disease progresses to many complications; young people, people without economic conditions or without relatives close by to care for them, the risk of depression is even higher.
Dr. Dang Thi Ngoc Bich - Head of Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - said that this place is treating nearly 200 people with psoriasis, including all ages, genders and disease levels. The alarming common point of all patients when they first come to the clinic is boredom, confusion, and obvious signs of anxiety disorder and depression.
At the Dermatology Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, the unit also receives and treats many people with psoriasis. Many of these cases are hospitalized due to complications from self-treating psoriasis at home, such as applying papaya leaves, bathing in elephant foot yam water, and taking traditional medicine.
MSc. Dr. Pham Thi Uyen Nhi - Deputy Head of the General Planning Division, Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital - said that psoriasis is one of the common chronic skin diseases in dermatology. To control psoriasis, patients need to note that this is a long, continuous treatment process.
Patients need to have regular check-ups with a dermatologist, as scheduled. At the same time, they need to follow the treatment regimen appropriate to their condition as prescribed by their doctor. It is necessary to understand the factors that promote the development of psoriasis to prevent and avoid outbreaks.
