The MANY definitions of remission

From the Editor...

There does not appear to be an official definition of REMISSION as it applies to pityriasis rubra pilaris. REMISSION comes from the Latin remissionem, meaning “relaxation, a sending back.” If something difficult lets up, you’ll be able to relax a little.

Here are some definitions to ponder. When you are finished, share YOUR definition of remission via email to editor@prpSurvivalGuide.org.

❏½ Remission is a diminution of the seriousness or intensity of disease or pain; a temporary recovery as in “the cancer is in remission”

❏½ Remission is a temporary remission of symptoms

❏½ Remission is a period of time during a serious illness when a patient’s health shows improvement

❏½ Remission is a period of time during a serious illness when there are few or no symptoms

❏½ Remission is a temporary or permanent decrease or subsidence of manifestations of a disease. Gotta love that phrase “substance of manifestations”

❏½ Remission is a state or period during which the symptoms of a disease are abated

❏½ Remission is a decrease in or disappearance of signs and symptoms of PRP.

❏½ In “partial” remission, some, but not all, signs and symptoms of PRP have disappeared, although PRP may still be in the body, e.g., “lurking” and the phrase “smoldering below the surface” come to mind.

❏½ “Complete remission” means that tests and physical exams show that all signs of PRP are gone. Some doctors also refer to “complete remission” as “no evidence of disease (NED).” That doesn’t mean, however, that you are cured.

❏½ Remission is the disappearance of the signs and symptoms of PRP

What is YOUR definition of REMISSION? Please forward via an email to editor@prpSurvivalGuide.org.

Bill M – Plano, Texas

I have always defined MY remission as symptom-free AND med-free. I see remission through my rear view mirror. Remission is in my past.

I can see how many want to feel they are already “in remission”. They see remission as a process where the road ahead is clear and every passing mile shows improvement.

I have come to the conclusion that the best definition of remission is YOUR definition. As one of my daughter’s is prone to say: “Whatever floats your boat!”

Patricia M – Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Remission according to DermNetNZ is “a temporary or permanent reduction in the severity of disease or pain.” (April 15, 2019 – FBSG)