Psorisis awareness campaign launched

MANILA, Philippines - Psoriasis is a common and chronic immune-related skin disease that afflicts millions all over the world. In the Philippines, public health data estimate that one to two percent of the population suffers from psoriasis, which is generally characterized by patches of raised red skin with thick silvery scales. Psoriasis is usually found on the arms, legs, nails or scalp, but it may occur on any other part of the skin, with the most commonly affected areas being the knees and elbows.

It is important to know that psoriasis is not an infection and therefore is not contagious. Touching the affected skin and then touching someone else will not transmit psoriasis. However, the red scaly skin can become infected, especially when there are splits in the skin.

While inheritable in some cases — about one-third of people with psoriasis are said to have at least one family member with the disease — psoriasis is mostly triggered by any number of causes, notably stress and alcoholism, and environmental factors such as overexposure to sun. Psoriasis flare-ups can last for weeks or months, go away for a time and then return.

But perhaps more troubling than the physical distress occasioned by psoriasis is the emotional misery the disease visits on its sufferers, who tend to experience depression and low self-esteem. Moreover, little public understanding of the disease has led to misdiagnoses among sufferers, who also often go undiagnosed. A number of medications have also been shown to aggravate psoriasis.

“This is a non-contagious and non-infectious affliction. So there is no worry of contracting the disease. But what the Society is doing right now is to educate the sufferers on the need to get properly diagnosed and treated,” says Dr. Teresita Gabriel, president of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). “The key is successful management of the disease so that the person will have a better quality of life.”

To educate the public on how best to manage and understand psoriasis, the Philippine Dermatological Society and Leo Pharma, a leading global pharmaceutical company specializing in dermatology and critical care, have joined forces to raise general awareness and reach out to all psoriasis sufferers.

“Our partnership with PDS is crucial because it is their expertise that will ensure the success of our campaign,” says Gerry linco, senior country manager of Leo Pharma. “As a responsible corporate citizen, we have always been supportive of the advocacies of the Society in addressing the needs of people with psoriasis.”