New psoriasis information booklets

The Psoriasis Association of Ireland (PAI) has launched two new information booklets for patients.

The ‘Touchpoints’ programme comprises of two patient information booklets to help people with psoriasis understand their condition. The brochures include information for patients on how to talk to their doctor about the impact psoriasis has on their life, various treatments available, and useful tips for living with psoriasis.

A patient's guide to living with psoriasis and A patient's guide to treatment plans and goals encourages patients to take control of the condition and can be downloaded from the PAI website.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease (non-contagious and non-curable) that affects approximately 100,000 Irish people. It can have devastating effect on people’s lives often interfering with work, relationships and social activities. 

Ronan Farrelly established the psoriasis support group in Meath after finding a lack of information and support available in his area. He has had psoriasis for 17 years and has lost a number of jobs because of his condition. Mr Farrelly said his psoriasis also makes it impossible for him to maintain a relationship.

“I have lost a couple of jobs because of it. I was in the hospitality industry and people complained. I now work as a cultural sub-contractor and I don’t have a hassle. It doesn’t matter if my skin is clear or if it is bad, I have no hassle, pressure or stress from my employer,” he said.

Mr Farrelly added that for anyone with a skin condition, to contact their GP.
“Don’t suffer in silence. Talk to you doctor or dermatologist because there are a lot of treatments out there.”

The work of the Psoriasis Association of Ireland has, over the last number of years been instrumental in disseminating the message that psoriasis is a treatable condition. Caroline Irwin, chairwoman of PAI and psoriasis sufferer, formed the association six years ago.

“I lived abroad for a few years and when I came back to live in Kilkenny, I felt very isolated with the disease. I met another psoriasis sufferer at a dermatology clinic and we organised a coffee night. Six people showed up and from there we started a support group,” she said.

The Psoriasis Association of Ireland was officially launched in 2002, and since then the group has been travelling across Ireland to raise the awareness of psoriasis. The launch of the ‘Touchpoints’ programme was the next step in educating and supporting psoriasis sufferers.

“I had never seen a booklet or information on psoriasis in any doctor’s surgery or clinic,” Ms Irwin said.

CariDee English, winner of America’s Next Top Model visited Dublin as part of Psoriasis Awareness Month, which has been running throughout April, to launch the ‘Touchpoints’ programme.

The international model suffered from severe psoriasis, since the age of five with 70% of her body covered in red scaly lesions.

Speaking at the launch Ms English said: “There were many periods in my life when my dream of becoming a top model seemed so far away. My psoriasis was so bad that there was no way to cover it up. I decided never to give up, seek out the optimum treatment and now I really am living the dream. I want to let other people with psoriasis know my story and hopefully they will believe that their dream of managing their psoriasis can come true.”

According to Ms Irwin, CariDee is an inspiring ambassador for the disease.

“Her story will give hope to many people in Ireland, including myself, who have at times doubted that their psoriasis could get better", she added.

The booklets were supported by Wyeth Ireland.

For more information contact the PAI, PO Box 4233, Balbriggan, Co Dublin. Tel: 086 3395 308, Email: office@psoriasisireland.ie or go to www.psoriasisireland.ie

You can also go to the irishhealth.com psoriasis clinic, click on http://www.irishhealth.com/clin/psor/index.html

[Posted: Tue 29/04/2008]