New research has highlighted the severe emotional impact of living with psoriasis in Ireland.

The research shows that over half of surveyed psoriasis sufferers believe that the condition has reduced their confidence or adversely affected their feelings of self-worth. 

Further highlighting the stigma associated with psoriasis, 75% of people stating that they actively avoid situations where their psoriasis would be on view such as going to the beach, swimming pool or engaging in other sporting activities.

The research also focused heavily on the impact of psoriasis on personal relationships as follows, with 53% of people saying they felt uneasy at social occasions with people who did not know they have psoriasis and 41% of people actively avoid social occasions because of their condition.

Psoriasis can lead to lesions developing on the skin, most commonly on the scalp, knees, elbows, torso, hands and feet.

Although psoriasis occurs in people of all ages, it typically appears for the first time between the ages of 15 and 35.
 
The research was carried out to mark the launch of www.underthespotlight.ie  to mark World Psoriasis Day, taking place tomorrow, October 29.

The website includes a series of videos featuring in-depth interviews with Irish people living with psoriasis and outlines their own personal experiences and difficulties in coping with the condition, often reflecting the research findings highlighted in the survey.

The website is an initiative of the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) and the Psoriasis Association of Ireland, and is supported by Abbott.

Read more about psoriasis here