A lack of knowledge about the condition means many people with psoriasis suffer unneccessarily, writes MICHELLE McDONAGH
OVER THE years, Denise McGowan has tried almost everything to cure her psoriasis from messy coal tar baths, pungent seaweed treatments and faith healers to all kinds of lotions and potions. Her parents even bought her a sunbed for her 18th birthday (in the days before the associated risks were fully understood) in an effort to clear her skin.
Although she has had the chronic skin condition since she was three years old, it is only in recent months that the Dubliner has been taught how to apply her creams properly by a psoriasis care nurse and been brought up to date with the latest advances in treatment.
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disorder in which there is an increase in the rate at which skin cells are produced and shed from the skin. More than 100,000 people in Ireland are affected by the condition. It is not contagious, not infectious and not the result of poor hygiene. It causes itching and pain on different parts of the body, more commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp and back.
While there is no cure for psoriasis, Dr Brian Kirby, consultant dermatologist at St Vincent’s University Hospital, says that with advances in management and safe treatments, the majority of people with psoriasis should be able to live without the condition affecting their lives.
“People don’t need to put up with psoriasis, yet some can go years without seeing their doctor to discuss it. They may be embarrassed or have had a bad experience of older psoriasis treatments that were perhaps a little smelly or may have been difficult or time-consuming to apply. However, treatments have moved on and new ones are available that can effectively treat and even clear psoriasis.”
The first dedicated iPhone app for those with psoriasis was launched yesterday to help people affected to manage their treatment regime. The free Irish-developed MyPsoriasis app enables people to track and manage their psoriasis on the go with their iPhone or iPod touch. It can be downloaded from mypsoriasis.ie, which features a range of information including educational videos, lifestyle tips and advice on coping with the skin condition.
McGowan can’t understand why there is so much ignorance about such a common condition. Her psoriasis has had a very negative impact on her self-esteem, particularly as a child and teenager. “When I was younger, I covered myself up a lot with big clothes and jumpers to hide my skin. As a young girl trying to look pretty, it was very hard and I didn’t know anybody else with psoriasis which made it even harder. When I was first diagnosed, it was all over my torso. My parents had to descale me and put me into a horrible coal tar bath. The treatments are a lot better now.”
Three years ago, McGowan spent three weeks as an inpatient at Hume Street Hospital in Dublin, which resulted in her psoriasis clearing for over a year. She thinks it’s a disgrace that following the closure of the hospital, there are no inpatient beds for the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis. “Just because psoriasis is not a life-threatening disease, it’s not regarded as serious but people get so down about it, they could be suicidal.”
It’s the little things about having psoriasis that get McGowan down. Not being able to wear fake tan, having to cover up with long sleeves, not being able to use the gym or go swimming when she has a flare-up because although she knows her condition is not contagious, she admits “it looks like something you could catch”.
Relationships are also difficult territory. She hasn’t had a boyfriend for a number of years because she’s worried about letting anybody see her skin.
Through Facebook, McGowan got in touch with the Psoriasis Association of Ireland last year and she went to its annual conference in September where she was amazed at how much she learnt about new treatments. A nurse at the conference showed her how to apply her creams properly as she had been doing it the wrong way for years.
“After the conference, I was approached to do an Under the Spotlight documentary which tells the stories of people from around the world with psoriasis. My confidence went up loads after that. I got some lovely new clothes and have really come out of my shell since.”
Dr Kirby explains that of the 2-3 per cent of the population of Ireland who have psoriasis, 20 per cent (about 30,000 people) require secondary care by a specialist to treat their condition.
If the condition is extensive or is affecting a person’s daily life, he urges them to contact their GP for advice on clearing their skin safely. If it cannot be cleared at primary level, they should be referred to a specialist for secondary care.
See psoriasisireland.ie and mypsoriasis.ie
Ten facts about psoriasis
1. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body. However, the most common sites of psoriasis are the scalp, elbows and knees.
2. Psoriasis usually appears as red elevated plaques with silvery scales.
3. Psoriasis can come and go at any time.
4. It can occur at any age and both men and women are affected equally.
5. Psoriasis can be an inherited disorder, but is not infectious or contagious.
6. Some people may develop psoriasis if other trigger factors are present, such as a throat infection, sunburn, stress, other medications or alcohol.
7. Sensible sun exposure can help most people, though for some it can worsen it.
8. A minority of people with psoriasis develop a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.
9. It is possible to manage the problem and even to clear it.
10. Topical treatments for psoriasis usually are effective if used correctly.
