Dr. Fitzgeraldo Sánchez, dermatologist, analyzes the current situation of psoriasis in Puerto Rico and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care in the treatment of psoriasis.
Dr. Fitzgeraldo Sánchez, dermatologist. Photomontage: Medicine and Public Health Magazine
The psoriasisa chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world, continues to be a significant health challenge in Puerto Rico. According to Dr. Fitzgeraldo Sánchez, a dermatologist with experience in the treatment of this condition, it is essential to address the psoriasis from a comprehensive perspective that includes not only the treatment medical, but also emotional and psychological support.
“It’s a job for everyone, the dermatologist, in addition to seeing that your neck or back hurts, must approach how you feel,” said Dr. Sánchez, because “many times we lose the focus of empathy and forget to ask how you are. , how the patient feels” he added.
Diagnosis and treatment
Once detected psoriasisit is essential to measure the affected area and determine the type of psoriasis (plates, droplets, etc.). It is also crucial to evaluate pain and inflammation in the joints. Dr. Sánchez highlights the importance of considering associated factors such as psoriatic arthritis, diabetes, overweight and inflammatory diseases.
“Accurate diagnosis is key to determining the treatment adequate,” emphasizes Dr. Sánchez. “There is no treatment unique for all patients, each case is unique and requires a personalized approach.”
How has technology helped in diagnosis?
For the expert, technology has significantly improved the treatment of the psoriasisparticularly in the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. However, the diagnosis of psoriasis It continues to be based on biopsy and clinical evaluation.
“In general the diagnosis of psoriasis “Not much has changed apart from the biopsy, which is the gold standard for diagnosis. Many times it is not even done because clinically its presence in the knees and elbows is very evident and solid,” says Dr. Sánchez.
The psoriasis There is no cure, but there are effective treatments that can eliminate the symptoms. It is essential to personalize treatments according to the patient’s individual needs.
“It is important to remember that the psoriasis It is a chronic disease that requires treatment continues,” emphasizes Dr. Sánchez. “There is no cure, but with treatment adequate, patients can lead a normal life without symptoms.”
Climate and psoriasis
Studies have shown that humid weather can worsen psoriasisbut sun exposure can be beneficial.
“Climate is an important factor to consider in the treatment of the psoriasis“says Dr. Sánchez, because “where there is sun, patients can manifest themselves a little better than in climates where there are fewer hours of sun since even one of the treatments is based on light therapy.”
How do I know what treatment does it work for me?
Dr. Sánchez emphasizes the importance of adapting treatments to the individual needs of the patient, including cream, injections, biological medicines and light therapy because there are patients who cannot take biologicals and have inflammatory conditions, and even had tuberculosis.
There have even been cases where patients are mismedicated, because “many times they give them Prednisone, and it goes away, but when the psoriasis It is worse, much more aggressive. It’s the rebound effect,” he points out.
“Sometimes patients go to emergency rooms and are mismedicated, so it is important that when they enter the emergency room the emergency doctor knows how to identify what it is or consult with the dermatologist,” adds Dr. Sánchez.
Treatment advances
“Before there were only biological treatment therapies, now they can be mixed, biological, they can be mixed with light therapy, injections and find the right one for each patient.”
Furthermore, Dr. emphasizes “The treatment personalized is key to success in the treatment of the psoriasis“, highlighting that before there were only biological treatment therapies, now they can be mixed, biological, with light therapy, injections and find the right one for each patient.
“Patients are not alone, it is everyone’s job”
It is essential to consider the mental health of patients with psoriasis. Dr. Sánchez recommends a comprehensive approach that includes emotional and psychological support, because “many times we lose focus on empathy and forget to ask how the patient is, how they feel,” he said.
Once you identify that, there are organizations to seek support, among them is the dermatological society, and organizations that are dedicated to providing support to patients with psoriasis.
Additionally, the expert recommends, if this is not enough, contact the primary doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, “because it can be a lonely situation and after COVID many people have remained a little limited in going out and can see in the psoriasis an excuse not to go out”
“Remember that it is a condition that has no cure but very effective treatments,” adding that after the psoriasis there is life and a proper and treatment It can be an excellent ally to live it in the best way.
