With the aim of combating prejudice and improving the quality of life of people with psoriasis, the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) is promoting the National Psoriasis Awareness Campaign this October. This Friday (29th) marks the National and World Day of Psoriasis, a common, autoimmune and incurable skin disease whose symptoms regularly disappear and recur and which affects approximately 3% of the world’s population, i.e. 125 million people. People all over the world, 5 million in Brazil alone.The treatments available are topical, where creams and ointments are applied directly to the skin; systemic, based on tablets or injections; Biologics, injectables, and phototherapy, which involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light regularly and under medical supervision.
Bioenergy and biomaterials researchers at the Universidade Estadual Paulista de Araraquara (Unesp) have developed a sustainable, natural and cost-effective treatment to relieve symptoms using a thin membrane based on latex and aloe vera (aloe vera). The plant is already used in gel and ointment versions, but it can be troublesome as it can cause dry skin and clogged skin pores.
According to Rondinelli Herculano, one of the researchers, the big problem with available synthetic drugs is side effects, and natural products are already being used to minimize these effects and improve people’s quality of life. Aloe vera is one of the natural products to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis, treating only the skin and only externally.
“That’s why our suggestion was to incorporate aloe vera into natural latex bandages as a complementary treatment. Because when a person uses a lot of aloe vera hydrogel creams, dryness usually occurs. Adding to the discomfort is the fat. From the tests we carried out in the laboratory, we found that the material is very flexible and retains the properties of aloe vera, as well as being easy to use and safe,” he explained.
Herculano says the next step in the research is to find partners to conduct human testing and bring the product to market. The idea is to make and customize the bandage in different sizes depending on the size of the injury.
Psoriasis is an autoinflammatory disease in which a genetic predisposition, along with environmental or behavioral factors, leads to the appearance of red, scaly lesions on the skin. Psoriasis is not a contagious disease and contact with patients does not need to be avoided.
Up to 30% of patients may experience similar inflammation in the joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis, another manifestation of the disease. In addition, psoriasis is linked to cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, various types of cancer and mood disorders, which affects the patient’s quality of life and, depending on the severity, can also reduce life expectancy if left untreated.
Factors that may increase the risk of disease or worsening of the clinical condition include family history, stress, obesity, cold weather, various infections, medications, and consumption of alcoholic beverages and smoking.
According to the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), it is important that people with this disease receive psychological support due to its impact on self-esteem. A balanced diet, weight control and physical activity also help to control the disease.