Life With Psoriasis:
At What Cost?

It’s so much more than just a skin thing.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune-mediated disease which symptoms are seen visibly on the skin. It has affected 2% to 3% of the world's population. According to a study published by the Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2% to 6% of new patients at dermatology clinics yearly are found to have psoriasis in Malaysia. Do know that this disease is not contagious.

What are the causes of Psoriasis?

In general, most types of psoriasis result from the same triggers:

  • Medicine
  • Skin Trauma
  • Alcohol
  • Stress
  • Weather
  • Withdrawal of oral/systemic corticosteroids

What are the types of Psoriasis?

It’s important to know what kind of psoriasis you have. This helps you and your doctor prepare a treatment plan as well as managing your cost well.

microsite-things-plague-psoraisis.jpg

Plaque Psoriasis

Inflamed skin & scaly, silvery plaques with a clear border.

nail-psoriasis.jpg

Nail Psoriasis

Nail pitting and nail separation.

guttate-psoriasis.jpg

Guttate Psoriasis

Red, small, teardrop-shaped bumps.

inverse-psoriasis.jpg

Inverse Psoriasis

Rash appearing in skin folds.

pustular-psoriasis.jpg

Pustular Psoriasis

Pus-filled lesions.

erythrodermic-psoriasis.jpg

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Severely inflamed skin shedding in large sheets.

Asset 3

What are the treatments available?

According to the British Association of Dermatologists, there’s no cure for psoriasis currently. However, there are treatments that can help improve the condition and sometimes achieve skin clearance with regular use of treatment. The type of psoriasis and its severity will determine what kind of treatment you should be getting

Topical Treatments

Ointments, creams, lotions, gels and shampoos.

Tropical

Phototherapy

Ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) light treatment.

Phototherapy

Systemic Treatment

Tablets or liquid medications.

Treatment

Biologics

Injections (shots) or intravenous (IV) infusions.

Biologics

How To Manage The Treatment Cost?

The cost of treatment could be a huge financial burden, depending on the severity. Below are what you can do to manage your medical costs.

  1. Save on medications.
  2. Ask your doctor for free samples when he gives you a prescription. You could also ask for a medical assistance scheme or if there are available Patient Assisted Programme (PAP) to save on your treatment cost

  3. Make an EPF Withdrawal.
  4. Yes, EPF allows its members to withdraw their savings from Account 2 to pay for medical expenses incurred, for the treatment of critical illnesses AND OR to buy medical aid equipment.

  5. Get insurance coverage.
  6. Talk to your insurance agent to get yourself covered by your medical insurance for the treatment and medicine cost.

  7. Apply for a personal loan.
  8. Given the cost and complexity of treatment regimens, the financial impact of psoriasis treatment can be significant.

Start comparing with different banks to make sure that you’re getting the best personal loan for your budget and situation. Don't let high costs prevent you from getting proper psoriasis treatments.

For more information about the cost of treating psoriasis, and please consult your healthcare professional for CLICK HERE further clarification.