By Deborah Condon

A support group for people with psoriasis, which was originally established for those living in the Kilkenny area, is to be extended nationwide due to demand.

The as yet unnamed support group was established in response to the lack of such a service in the Kilkenny area, by Caroline Irwin and a friend, both of whom have psoriasis. However a decision to expand nationwide was made after the women received numerous phone calls from all over the country.

The group, which is thought to be the first of its kind in this country, has already begun holding meetings in Kilkenny but hopes to move further afield in the coming months.

"We have had calls from as far as Dublin and Monaghan. There will be regular meetings in Kilkenny but we also hope to go to Dublin within the next few months, to hold a major meeting there. At the moment, this is all in the planning stages", said Ms Irwin.

For more information on the support group, call 086 3395 308.

Psoriasis is a non-infectious skin condition that is estimated to affect around 100,000 Irish people. It appears as pink or red raised patches on the skin, known as plaques. For more information on this condition, visit our Psoriasis Clinic at…