Skin Consultant, Dr. Pranjal Shamsher, talks about research carried out at Leicester University, which has opened up new possibilities in the understanding of psoriasis.
One of the biggest obstacles in treating psoriasis effectively is the lack of knowledge as to its exact causation. However, a study carried out by Leicester University has shown that a particular gene variant called CDSN found on chromosome 6 is more active in patients with psoriasis as compared to the normal population. This is a gene that is believed to cause the increasing adhesion and shedding of skin cells which is the typical picture seen in psoriasis.
As psoriasis doctors, we have always known that in addition to the environment there is a big genetic component to the causation of Psoriasis. What was not known is the location of the exact gene, which played a major role. Now that the gene has been identified, it means we are closer to understanding what makes psoriasis suddenly flare up, and even though the developments are still in the pre-clinical stage, eventually there may be a situation in which one can directly target that particular gene activity leading to better control over psoriasis.
Psoriasis has a potential of tremendously impacting the quality of life. A recent survey of more than 5,000 people found that those with psoriasis are still treated as social outcasts. Half of those questioned said they would not kiss, swim with or eat food prepared by someone with psoriasis. Unfortunately many patients are under the impression that psoriasis is contagious. I often have cases of housewives with psoriatic palms, who stop cooking for their family or others who don’t play with their children in the fear that they might transmit the disease to their little ones
In fact most patients do not have major complications. Psoriatic Arthritis is seen only in about 10% of the patients and severe arthritis leading to finger deformities is seen in very few cases. I think patients of Psoriasis have enough to suffer about without the need to create unnecessary scares of rare complications.
Dr. Pranjal Shamsher is the first Skin Doctor in Bangalore to offer natural, non-surgical and non-invasive treatments for skin disorders. With over 25 years of experience in the field of Skin and Dermatology, Dr. Pranjal Shamsher has devised a unique Multi-Therapy approach involving the use of several therapies at the same, to treat the most stubborn, obstinate and long-standing Acne with 100% side-effect free results. Her integrated and Multi-Therapy approach has helped many chronic disease sufferers to recover safely without any side-effects.
Dr. Shahid Shamsher is one of India’s first certified Trichologist practicing in the field of Trichology for 27 years and is recognized as one of the Best Hair Doctor in Bangalore. He is the only Trichologist in India to be simultaneously certified from the U.K, Australia, and India.
