This article is from page 12 of the 2008-04-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 12 JPG
AN ILLNESS that has been de- scribed as causing suicidal tenden- cies in patients affects an estimated 3,000 people in Clare.
The number is only an estimate, however, as the majority of people with psoriasis suffer in silence.
A survey of those afflicted with the lifelong skin condition showed that as many as 81 per cent felt it had affected their self-confidence; 81 per cent felt embarrassed undertak-
ing activities such as undressing in front of others; and 85 per cent felt that psoriasis limited their choice in clothing and lifestyle.
When asked how the ailment made them feel, replies ranged from “fed up, angry, frustrated and embar- rassed” to “helpless and self-con- SC10US’.
This week is National Psoriasis In- formation Week and Clare patients are being encouraged to visit their doctor rather than endure the cond1- tion in silence.
One local person, who like many more 1s embarrassed by her condi- tion, recalled how devastated she felt when a hairdresser reached for rub- ber gloves before treating her hair.
Like others, this person did not understand the condition or how emotionally painful it can be for the Us tce
Dr Trevor Markham, Consultant Dermatologist at University College Hospital, Galway, said, “Psoriasis patients have a reduction in their quality of life similar to or worse
than patients with other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. While there is no ideal treatment for the condition, there are many different treatments available. “Although psoriasis generally does not affect survival, it certainly has a number of major negative effects on patients, demonstrable by a signifi- cant detriment to quality of life. “Patients feel stigmatised by the condition leading to depression and suicidal ideation in more than five per cent of patients,’ he continued.
‘Patients may not realise the treat- ment options that are available, due to the poor access to dermatology services. In addition, the lack of ad- equate phototherapy services, espe- cially in the west of Ireland, contrib- utes to this.”
An information meeting will be held in the South Court hotel, Lim- erick, tomorrow for psoriasis suf- ferers and will be addressed by der- matology nurse, Carol Collins, who will talk about various creams and their application.