DOH to Public: Understand People with Psoriasis
A member of the Philippine Dermatological Society- Cebu Chapter has appealed to the public to be more understanding of people suffering from psoriasis as they are going through silent battles caused by the disease.
“We would like the public to be aware that psoriasis is not contagious. However, it has no cure, so we ask the public to understand and to not discriminate those who are affected by it,” said Dr. Valerie Hope during the recent Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-7 forum.
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that affects more than two million Filipinos.
It is characterized by itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin or with silvery scales found in a person’s scalp, nails or even in the whole body.
According to Solano, the cause of psoriasis is yet to be identified.
However, it may be triggered by heredity.
“It is sad to say that patients who are diagnosed with it will carry it for life,” Solano added.
She also shared that medications available in the market are expensive and can only help prevent its spread and not its total removal.
She advised people with psoriasis to strengthen their immune system to avoid getting sick or getting their skin irritated. (HFG with report from Jan Karla Madrio/PIA7)
