World psoriasis day observe
Stethoscope desk
To give a global voice to more than 125 million people with psoriasis, World Psoriasis Day was established on 29th October 2004. Since then this day is celebrated all over the world with annually on 29th October. International Federation of Psoriasis Associations has selected the theme Get connected for World Psoriasis Day 2019. In Bangladesh, this day is regularly celebrated with physicians and patients of psoriasis since 2017 by the Psoriasis Awareness Club.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that is not contagious and affects both genders at any age. The turnover of skin cells are increased in this disease. It can present as small rashes to involvement of entire body. It also affects nails, hair and joints.
One to two percent population of the world is affected by psoriasis. Previously it was thought that psoriasis and Leprosy were same disease. It is thought to have first been described in Ancient Rome by Cornelius Celsus.
Psoriasis is inherited genetically, but not all the members of the family will get the disease. It is not curable, but controllable just like Diabetes or Hypertension. There are several treatment options e.g. topical creams, systemic medications, biologics, phototherapy, given according to severity of the disease.
To increase awareness about the disease psoriasis Psoriasis Awareness Club was established on the 17th October, 2017 by renowned dermatologists of the country. This club disseminates the updated knowledge among physicians and patients by arranging seminars and discussion sessions. It also runs a free Friday camp for the psoriasis patients.
This year an international seminar on psoriasis was arranged by the Psoriasis Awareness Club at Dhaka Club on World Psoriasis Day. Mr. Anisul Haque, deputy editor at prothom alo as chief guest, and Prof. Dr. AQM Serajul Islam, president and Prof. Dr. Ehsanul Kabir, secretary general of Bangladesh Dermatological Society was present as special guests at the event.
The day was started with a rally with patients and physicians followed by conversation with the psoriasis patients about their disease and ended with scientific sessions (2nd International Seminar on Psoriasis) with both national and international speakers.
The whole event has been organized and supervised by the president of the club Prof. Mohammad Samiul Huq, vice president Prof. Munir Rashid and Prof. Rashed Mohammad Khan, general secretary Dr. M Abu Hena Chowdhury and other executive members. Prof. Dr. Hafizuddin Ahmed, Editor, Stethoscope was present as a guest of honour.
