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THE skin disease psoriasis is set to become a larger medical problem across the Gulf due to the rising incidence of obesity, according to doctors who attended the Bahrain Dermatology Forum.
Gulf dermatology experts at the conference have warned that obesity leads to a higher risk of developing psoriasis, which is characterised by red, scaly plagues on the skin.
According to the professionals, medications for psoriasis are also less effective in those who carry excess fat - leading to concerns that with the region's rising rate of obesity, the condition will become more difficult to treat. Between 30 and 60 per cent of men in the Gulf and 35 to 75 per cent of women suffer from obesity or are overweight, according to World Health Organisation data.
Dr Nidhal Khalifa, head of dermatology at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), said: "Obesity puts the body in a state of constant inflammation which affects the body's ability to metabolise normally. Psoriasis is also an inflammatory disease, so when both of these conditions are present the effect on the metabolic system is heightened.
"The bottom line is, if you have psoriasis and you are also obese, then the disease will affect you worse."
Dr Hussein Abdul Dayem, consultant dermatologist, Al Noor Hospital, added: "It is well established in the research literature that psoriasis is linked to other metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. We advise psoriasis patients who are overweight to lose the weight as this helps to reduce their symptoms."
International data shows that between one and three per cent of the general population suffers from psoriasis, which is a genetically-linked chronic auto-immune disorder that most commonly affects people between the ages of 20 and 40.
The actual cause is unknown but it is exacerbated by physical and emotional stress. In severe cases, patients are unable to live a normal life due to the itchiness of the skin and the embarrassment of being seen in public.
However, recent developments in medical treatment have revolutionised care for those with severe forms of the condition. Biologic drugs or 'biologics' target specific parts of the immune system, which means there are fewer systemic side effects.
Due to the effectiveness of biologics many patients can now have normal lives, the experts say.
"The biologics are safe and effective. Patients can also be treated as outpatients, allowing them to enjoy a normal social life, which is a great advantage for them," added Dr Khalifa, who acted as the forum's chairman.
The Bahrain Dermatology Forum took place at the Gulf Hotel in Manama where delegates heard presentations from Gulf doctors, as well as a special lecture on the long-term efficacy and safety of biologics for the treatment of psoriasis from internationally renowned dermatologist, Professor Robert Strohal, head of the Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Feldkirch, Austria.
