There is a lot of prejudice and misinformation around psoriasis due to a lack of understanding about the disease and its mental, emotional, and social impact on patients. In a society that puts a premium on flawless skin, life with psoriasis can be extremely challenging.
“Not only is the disease debilitating; the social stigma patients experience is likewise painful,” shared Josef de Guzman, president of Psoriasis Philippines, who has been living with psoriasis all his life.
Worse, de Guzman said, they sometimes feel alone in their journey as they battle the disease.
“We are perceived to be contagious when we are simply in need of care, attention, and understanding. By eradicating the psoriasis stigma, those who suffer from it will feel more empowered to seek proper treatment,” de Guzman said.
Ending the stigma
The Department of Health (DOH), together with the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil), and Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. (J&J), launched a health literacy campaign to raise awareness, encourage action around psoriasis, and help improve patients’ lives.
The partnership kicked off on October 29 with a lay forum titled “Psoriasis: Bigyang Halaga at Pag-aaruga” where healthcare practitioners, psoriatic patients, and members of the media were in full force to support its objectives.
“There are over a million Filipinos suffering from psoriasis every single day,” Dr. Francisco Rivery, President of the Philippine Dermatological Society.
“Psoriasis can manifest in several ways, but the most common comes in the form of thick plaque with silvery white scales. It may also involve the scalp and the nails,” he added.
Psoriasis causes body-wide inflammation that can impact other organs and tissues.
As a systemic disease, psoriasis can put patients at higher risk of hypertension and diabetes. One in three patients may develop psoriatic arthritis too, which can cause progressive, long-term damage.
“Psoriasis is a chronic debilitating disease,” continued Dr. Rivera, “but it is manageable with newer treatment options like using biologic drugs. It is not merely a skin disease.”
Various comorbidities
He added that it also brings about various comorbidities that require holistic care. As such, “we partner with several fellow specialists to manage patients with this disease, especially those with severe cases.”
For his part, Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of the Medical Affairs Department of Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc., said that they will continue with their research to develop new and innovative treatments for this condition. J&J is working closely with “relevant stakeholders to help end this stigma on psoriasis and build a responsive healthcare system that will address the needs of patients.”
“It is not just a matter of clearing the skin of lesions, but rather helping them decrease the risk of acquiring other systemic diseases. We also want to help patients gain back their confidence and regain control of their lives,” Benedicto said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, concurrent Director IV of DOH’s Disease Prevention & Control Bureau and Health Promotion Bureau, stressed that the DOH stands with their partners in bringing awareness and recognition to psoriasis.
“As more people living with psoriasis seek consultation and treatment, we can look forward to less Filipinos suffering from severe cases and complications,” she concluded.