Psoriasis, a serious disease deserving global attention

She basked in her rosy glow during pregnancy and wished it could last forever. However, after the birth of her son, a skin condition she has battled since 2008 was back with a vengeance. Kebitsaone Motheo, 28, is suffering from psoriasis, a condition that makes her skin appear dry, scaly and flaky on the legs, hands and back.

She is a member of the Psoriasis Association of Botswana that seeks to create awareness and campaign for improved medical care on the disease.

“I choose to speak out about psoriasis because it is often misunderstood and persons with the condition are stigmatised or prevented from participating in social activities,” said the mother of a nine-month old boy.

Individuals with the condition are prone to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, heart attack, stroke and liver disease among other lifestyle diseases.

Psoriasis is not contagious however, if not properly managed it can lead to heart complications like hardening and narrowing of artery walls, diabetes and arthritis.

These underlying complications worried Motheo when she was pregnant with her first child last year. It’s an unpredictable scenario when a person with psoriasis is pregnant because it can improve, worsen or remain unchanged.

Luckily for her the pregnancy suppressed the condition leaving a flawless youthful skin.

“My skin took a different turn. Psoriasis ‘disappeared’ leaving me with an even- toned skin. It felt great to have smooth skin that I could rub without the dry and scaly feel,” she said in an interview.

Her dermatologist advised her to discontinue the oral medicines and