The skin condition psoriasis can have a major impact on the lives of those affected, however most healthcare professionals, including dermatologists, underestimate the effects on their patients, a leading doctor has said.

According to Prof Brian Kirby, a consultant dermatologist at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, psoriasis ‘has an impact on sufferers that is frequently underestimated or unrecognised'.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects around 2% of the Irish population - some 100,000 people. It appears as pink or red raised patches on the skin. These patches, which are known as plaques, have a well-defined edge around them. They also have a scaly surface and can be large or small.

"Psoriasis should never be characterised as a ‘bit of a rash'. It remains a highly stigmatised condition, not least due to a significant knowledge gap amongst the general population, and many who experience psoriasis carry a heavy burden, often suffering in silence," Prof Kirby pointed out.

He made his comments to coincide with the launch of a major new campaign by the Irish Skin Foundation - #SaySomething. This campaign aims to encourage people to take more control of the condition by speaking openly to their doctor about their symptoms.

Recent research suggests that people with psoriasis are more prone to developing high blood pressure and almost one in four suffers with depression at some stage. Meanwhile, almost one in three people with moderate to severe psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, which can lead to major joint discomfort.

The #SaySomething campaign includes a short online film which can be viewed on the Irish Skin Foundation's website here. A self-assessment form is also available on the website to help sufferers explain the real impact of the disease when speaking with healthcare professionals.

"This is the first time that a digital campaign to assist psoriasis sufferers has been launched in Ireland. On behalf of all psoriasis patients, I welcome this initiative and have no doubt it will greatly improve communication channels between both the psoriasis patient and their doctor, resulting in the better treatment of this skin condition for all concerned," commented Caroline Irwin of the Irish Skin Foundation, who has psoriasis herself.

The #SaySomething campaign is supported by AbbVie.

For more information on psoriasis, see the Irish Skin Foundation's website here or see our Psoriasis Clinic here