Renowned skin disease specialist and Pakistan Association of Dermatologists’ Vice President Dr Manzoor Memon has said public that awareness about severe skin diseases urticaria and psoriasis is key to prevent people from their complications.
He said this while addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club to bring attention towards severe skin diseases focusing on urticaria and psoriasis. Dr Muzna Ibrhaim, Dr Pir Ijlal and Dr Wajahat Khan were also present on this occasion.
Dr Memon said Urticaria, which is commonly known as “Hives”, or locally Pitti Uchalna “Chapaki” etc is an outbreak of swollen, pale red bumps, patches, or the sudden appearance of red or white welts on the skin either as a result of allergies, or for other reasons that at times are unknown. He said hives generally cause extreme itching, burning and stinging.
They can appear anywhere on the body including the face, lips, eyes, ear and tongue and in extreme cases swelling occurs beneath the skin. It generally appears as a deep swelling around the eyes, lips. In more severe cases the disease may cause swelling in the throat, tongue, or lungs and can block the airways, causing difficulty breathing.
He said this situation was potentially life threatening. Urticaria and psoriasis are more than just a skin condition because the disease lasts for a longer time and adversely affects the social and professional life of a patient as patients suffers from extreme stress, anxiety, frustration and lack of self-esteem.