39,000 LIVING WITH PSORIASIS WAITING ON SPECIALIST CARE
People living with psoriasis are experiencing some of Ireland’s longest delays to access specialist care, with over 39,000 people waiting to access dermatology services - 30% of those have been waiting more than 12 months for access to specialised care.
Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory skin disorder that affects an estimated 73,000 people in Ireland. An autoimmune condition, it causes symptoms on the skin and sometimes on the joints and for many, access to specialist care is a critical step for their health. The disorder results in the overproduction of skin cells and is characterised by raised and inflamed red lesions which can cause physical pain. Of the 73,000 affected, approximately 87% suffer a mild to moderate form of the disease, while 48% have moderate to severe symptoms.
A new podcast and video series (‘Let’s Talk Psoriasis’) has been launched by Janssen Sciences Ireland and hosted by broadcaster Dr Ciara Kelly, to talk about the skin ailment. According to Janssen, the effects of psoriasis have wider impacts as it is highly visible and can be stigmatising, which is partly why the psychological and social impact can be so damaging. In some cases, it can affect a person’s employability and income. Furthermore, psoriasis is also closely related to multiple other autoimmune conditions like psoriatic arthritis, therefore ongoing management is vital to reduce inflammation that could lead to other diseases.
Content for the four episodes has been informed by feedback from people living with psoriasis in Ireland, who highlighted the need for information and support during the long waiting times to access specialist care. The feedback also highlighted the need for greater education on the associated possibility of developing a related inflammatory form of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis.
Damien Broderick, who was diagnosed with psoriasis as a teenager, said: “I went to bed with no psoriasis and woke up with all the psoriasis. My entire front and back was just one big, large scale. You could barely see any of my normal skin. My entire life was put on hold - relationships, sport and exercise - any situation that might lead me to expose my skin was off the table. I wish I knew then what I know now as there’s a lot we can do to make sure our lives are not dictated by psoriasis.”
‘Let’s Talk Psoriasis’ is now available on many popular podcast streaming services online. The series will be released weekly throughout May, and features experts like Prof. Caitriona Ryan, Consultant Dermatologist at the Institute of Dermatologists, Chief Executive of Arthritis Ireland Grainne O’Leary, and Dr Paul D’Alton, Clinical Psychologist, Head of the Department of Psychology, St Vincent’s University Hospital. The series provides important, practical information about how to manage living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The experts respond to some of the most frequently asked questions posed by people living with psoriasis and also set the record straight on some of the biggest myths associated with these conditions.