Despite it affecting some 100,000 people in Ireland, many members of the public remain confused about the skin condition, psoriasis, with almost one in 10 thinking it is a disease of the liver, a new survey has shown.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that appears as pink or red raised patches on the skin. These patches, also known as plaques, have a well-defined edge around them. They also have a scaly surface and can be large or small.

The survey of over 1,100 adults nationwide revealed that 7% of people think that the condition is contagious, while another 7% think that those with psoriasis should not be allowed to work in certain jobs, such as jobs involving food.

The survey also noted that among people with psoriasis, almost four in 10 men and almost one in five women do not attend a healthcare professional for it.

Commenting on these findings, Dr Anne Marie Tobin, a consultant dermatologist at Tallaght Hospital in Dublin, urged people with psoriasis to seek medical advice for it.

"People should not be embarrassed by their condition. They should talk to their doctor as psoriasis treatments have improved and new treatments are available that can effectively control the condition," she said.

Also commenting on the findings, Ronan Farrelly, of the Psoriasis Association of Ireland, emphasised that the public ‘needs to know that this is a common skin disorder'.

"It is not contagious and anyone can develop it. Those of us with the condition often feel frustrated with the treatment they receive from people who do not understand the condition. This can often lead to a sense of hopelessness," he explained.

The survey was commissioned on behalf of LEO Pharma.

For more information on psoriasis, see Irishhealth.com's Psoriasis Clinic here