Fear is contagious. Psoriasis is not.
“Many Filipinos are suffering in silence with this disease. Because though psoriasis is not contagious, many psoriasis patients isolate themselves for fear of discrimination and rejection,” shared Psoriasis Philippines, Inc. (PsorPhil) President Josef de Guzman at a recent gathering. “Psoriasis affects over 125 million people worldwide. In the Philippines, it is estimated that as much as 2% of the population, or about two million will likely be diagnosed with psoriasis as of this year,” he added.
Psoriasis is a serious chronic inflammatory non communicable disease (NCD) that affects the skin and joints. It has severe physical, mental and socio-economic burden and carries a hosts of other serious co-morbidities such as depression, Uveitis, cardio-vascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and other immune-related conditions such as Crohn’s disease – that puts the patients into greater risks and shorter life span. But Psoriasis is more than just a skin or beauty problem as many Filipinos are suffering in silence with most sufferers left either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and consequently untreated. And while there is still is no known cure for the disease, empathy and understanding will enable sufferers to endure the pain and discomfort of the disease. This is why PsorCOACH, a support group for psoriasis patients was established.
“The program is intended to support doctor-patient relationships by helping patients to have a better understanding of the disease,” De Guzman introduced. “The program underlines the need to improve adherence to treatments and medications as prescribed by their physicians.” On August 2014, medical professionals are invited to attend the 5th National Psoriasis & Psoriatic Athritis Confernce (NPPAC) presented by Psorphil and the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). Some of the most respected names in dermatology, rheumatology, and other medical specializations are expected to present the latest knowledge and studies surrounding psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and its co-morbidities. For more information about this and other activities such as World Psoriasis Day on October 29, Free Skin Clinic at San Andres Sports Complex in October 26, People Empowerment for ARThritis and Lupus (PEARL) Musicale and Art Exhibit March 14-15, Lose to Win PsorPhil Edition, PsorPhil Livelihood Assistance NETwork and Training (PLANET) and PsorPhil’s HUG-ME Campaign, visit www.psorphil.org.
Photos by Emmylou Casanova
