A series of public information meetings on the skin condition, psoriasis, will be held next month, the Psoriasis Association of Ireland has confirmed.

Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the Irish population. It appears as pink or red raised patches on the skin. These patches, which are also known as plaques, have a well-defined edge around them. They also have a scaly surface and can be large or small.

The meetings aim to raise awareness of psoriasis as a condition and to educate the general public on the treatment options available to them. They also provide an opportunity for those attending to raise specific issues with the attending consultant and medical experts.

"It is also hoped that by meeting others who suffer from psoriasis, people will be encouraged to set up local branches of the association to provide local support and encouragement into the future", the association said.

The meetings, which will be addressed by consultant dermatologists and dermatology nurses, will take place on:

-Thursday, May 4 at 7.30pm in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork.

-Thursday, May 11 at 7.30pm in the South Court Hotel in Limerick.

-Thursday, May 18 at 7.30pm in the Radisson Hotel in Athlone.

-Thursday, May 25 at 7.30pm in the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk.

Further meeting are scheduled to take place in Waterford and Sligo in October.

People wishing to attend one of these meetings should contact Anne on (01) 703 8618 or Suzanne in (01) 703 8617 to register.

For more information on psoriasis, see our Psoriasis Clinic at...

http://www.irishhealth.com/clin/psor/