Coronavirus And Psoriasis: What To Know
The COVID-19 pandemic is posing a situation of fear and many doubts for everyone. Especially for those who already suffer from a disease. Thus the question arises about the relationship between coronavirus and psoriasis.
This is so because SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to pose a much higher risk of mortality in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Currently, all the characteristics of this virus are still being investigated.
However, the number of infected is increasing. Therefore, in this article we are going to explain what you should take into consideration during this time of coronavirus if you suffer from psoriasis.
What is the coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are actually a family of viruses. The new coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2 and the cause of the COVID-19 disease, emerged in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan. It is a virus that can produce very different clinical pictures, from a simple cold to severe respiratory failure.
The truth is that there is also a high percentage of cases that are asymptomatic. However, the most common symptoms are fever, cough, and feeling short of breath or down.
A recent study published in The Lancet explains the risk factors for mortality from coronavirus. It seems that the risk is higher in elderly people or in those who have some underlying pathology.
The same goes for those with a weakened immune system. This is where the question comes in, are people with psoriasis more at risk of being infected or of having a more serious infection?
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. It is quite frequent and usually occurs in the form of shoots. It is characterized by the appearance of reddish and scaly lesions that are quite itchy.
These lesions usually appear on the elbows, knees, and scalp. However, psoriasis can also affect nails and joints. The cause of this pathology is not yet known exactly.
It is believed to be caused by an alteration of the cells of the immune system. It is also thought that there is a large genetic component. What is known is that factors such as tobacco, stress or certain infections can trigger an outbreak in predisposed people.
What should we know about the coronavirus and psoriasis?
According to the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), psoriasis does not pose a greater risk of contracting the coronavirus. This entity has issued a statement trying to reassure those who suffer from this pathology.
However, there is one aspect that is still being considered, as it may pose a greater risk. It is an option for the treatment of psoriasis that are biological drugs and immunosuppressants.
These drugs, by reducing the activity of the immune system, could pose a problem. However, it has not yet been proven that people who receive these drugs belong to a risk group.
In fact, what the experts recommend is not to abandon the treatment. When in doubt, the first thing to do is consult the doctor, if possible the family doctor, who knows the history in detail.
Ideally, in any case, prevent coronavirus infection. While it is true that there does not appear to be an increased risk for those with psoriasis, there is still insufficient or conclusive data on this pandemic.
To keep in mind
When medical situations are developing, prudence must prevail. This is what happens with the SARS-CoV-2 infection, of which we still do not have the full scenario. The first analyzes should be taken for what they are: a first approximation. The information is changing in this regard.
Therefore, if you suffer from psoriasis or any other disease, and you have doubts, try to contact a doctor. Similarly, try to respect hygiene rules and stay away from people who have come into contact with the virus.
