Three in four people with psoriasis avoid situations where their skin condition is likely to be seen by others, a new survey has revealed.

Psoriasis 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.

According to an international survey, which included participants from Ireland, almost half of people with the condition said that their ‘fear of what others might think' is harder to deal with than the condition itself.

Meanwhile, almost two in three women and at least one in three men said that they avoid social situations because of their condition, while around half of those affected admitted that it had resulted in ‘reduced confidence over time'.

According to Caroline Irwin, chairperson of the Psoriasis Association of Ireland, the research shows that one-quarter of people living with psoriasis feel that people ‘treat them differently because of their condition' and one in five believe they ‘would have more friends' if they didn't have the condition.

"To those people, I would say you are not alone. If you are feeling self-conscious, or experiencing low self- esteem, talk to someone - a GP, friend or family member, or contact us anytime for free advice and information," she said.

Also commenting on the findings, consultant dermatologist, Prof Brian Kirby of St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin, acknowledged that while patients may discuss their physical symptoms with their doctor, they may avoid talking about the psychological effects.

"This research suggests that half of patients feel that the social impact of psoriasis is worse than their physical symptoms. All doctors should be aware of this finding and treatment should be aimed at alleviating this potential burden," he said.

The findings were released ahead of World Psoriasis Day (October 29).

For more information on the Psoriasis Association of Ireland, click here.

For more information on psoriasis, see our Psoriasis Clinic here.