Psoriasis - A Summer Misery For A Silent Minority

Main Category: Dermatology
Article Date: 26 Jun 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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For many of us the summer is a time to think about taking a break, enjoying long hot days in the sun, sitting on a beach or swimming in the sea.

But for people living with a skin disease called psoriasis the summer is often viewed with dread. Psoriasis is a skin condition which affects 2% of the population and takes the form of scaly, silver scales on the skin which when removed show very red sore angry skin.

For many this unsightly rash makes it impossible to be able to wear shorts or T-shirts because of the way others view people with this disease. Embarrassment and a perceived sigma make people with psoriasis feel isolated and lonely.

UK charity The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance (PAPAA) has produced a new free booklet called Psoriasis and the Sun, which explains what happens in psoriasis and how to get the benefit of ultra violet (UV) rays safely, with useful tips and practical advice.

David Chandler who has had psoriasis for more than 30 years says, "Psoriasis is a silent disease and for many people avoidance of potential embarrassing situations is a common way to cope with this condition. The booklet provides some useful information to cope."

To get your free copy of the booklet contact PAPAA PO Box 111 St Albans Hertfordshire. AL2 3JQ or visit the website to download a copy.http://www.papaa.org

David Chandler is Chief Executive of PAPAA and has had psoriasis for more than 30 years and soon after developed an associated arthritis called psoriatic arthritis, which in some case can cause disability and loss of mobility.

PAPAA is an independently funded charity that provides a positive approach.

PAPAA