Over 73,000 people in Ireland are affected by the skin disease, psoriasis, and for many, the condition has had a major impact on their health, job prospects, love lives and self-esteem, a major new report has revealed.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition, which 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 this new report, more than 73,000 people in Ireland have the condition, with 9,000 of these suffering from a severe form. Those with the severe form have a 43% increased risk of stroke.

However, the condition can have a major impact on people even if they do not have a severe form. The report noted that almost all (93%) of those affected have felt embarrassed by the condition, while over half (56%) have had negative or unpleasant comments made their skin.

For at least half of those affected, psoriasis has impacted on their love life, while one-third have admitted to quitting dating altogether.

One in five say the condition has stopped them from applying for a job. Furthermore, those with severe psoriasis are nearly twice as likely to be unemployed compared to those with mild psoriasis.

Overall, around 75,000 works days are lost every year in Ireland as a result of the condition.

According to the report's co-author, Prof Louise Barnes, a consultant dermatologist at St James's Hospital in Dublin, the condition is often misunderstood and if not managed effectively, can lead to ‘extremely poor quality of life issues'.

"This report strives to expose the hidden burden that psoriasis can have on patients, and to encourage better understanding of this condition. It is vital that we continue to invest in dermatology in order to improve patient care and management of this chronic skin disease, including providing equitable access to specialised care and innovative treatments," she insisted.

She noted that more than three in four people affected say the condition has made them ‘hide themselves away', while almost three in four feel that psoriasis has negatively impacted on their social life.

The report, The Burden Of Psoriasis, was produced by Novartis Ireland in conjunction with NUI Galway, and was supported by the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF).

"Psoriasis can be very difficult to live with and, left untreated, has been linked with heart conditions, depression and anxiety. The ISF urges policy makers to allocate adequate resources to ensure appropriate and accessible treatment for all children and adults with psoriasis so they may live unburdened by the disease," commented ISF chairperson, Prof Eoin O'Brien.

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