I was first diagnosed with psoriasis when I was 18. I’d never even heard of the autoimmune disease before a GP took one look at the red, raw, flaky patches that were covering over 80% of my body. 

Nobody knows exactly what causes a flare-up. We can try to put it down to stress or anxiety — but frankly, anything that triggers a response from the immune system has the potential to cause a flare-up.

Everyday pain

My current flare-up is my worst to date. It’s covering almost the same amount as the first; but unlike the first, there’s little hiding this one for a few reasons. One reason being it was very visible on my face for the first time.

I’ve gotten patches in really irritating places like my inner thighs and the backs of my knees. Unlike other times when psoriasis was causing more of a discomfort due to itching and affecting my self-esteem, this time, my self-esteem is perfectly fine, but I’m in physical pain daily.

Facing judgement

This time, I can’t hide it. That’s also partly due to my social media presence. I didn’t slow down the daily uploads of my outfit videos to almost 1 million followers. My skin is on full display, and of course — the questions come in, and so do the nasty comments.

In fairness, some are based on ignorance — people who haven’t heard of it or never seen it to this extent. I patiently respond to every comment trying to educate or enlighten people on what psoriasis is.

Over 125 million people worldwide suffer from psoriasis.

Overcoming challenges

I consider myself very lucky that my typically imperfect skin doesn’t affect my self-esteem or confidence. I went five years between flare-ups, so I know that what I’m suffering now isn’t how it’s always going to be for me.

Now, more than ever, I feel responsible to show my skin, be the person taking the brunt of those comments — the good and the bad — and using my platform to try and normalise psoriasis.

Be unapologetically you

Over 125 million people worldwide suffer from psoriasis. In Ireland alone, there are about 6,000 people diagnosed with it each year. In 2015, a report showed that approximately 75,000 work days were missed annually by those suffering.

My advice as someone who’s suffering and will suffer again is to see a dermatologist, use a good quality moisturiser and try not to scratch. Also, be unapologetically YOU! You dictate your life. Psoriasis should never define who you are or what you do.

The post My psoriasis is part of who I am, but it’s not who I am appeared first on Health News.

For many people living with psoriasis, access to specialist dermatology care is a critical step in taking control of their condition, but many are experiencing significant delays.

People living with skin conditions, including psoriasis, are experiencing some of Ireland’s longest delays to access the specialist care they desperately need. There are 39,324 people waiting to access dermatology services, with 30% (12,118) waiting more than 12 months, according to the latest figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Finding psoriasis support

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory skin disorder that affects at least 73,000 people in Ireland. It is an immune condition that causes symptoms on the skin and, sometimes, the joints. PsO Let’s Talk Psoriasis, a video and podcast series by Janssen Sciences Ireland UC, aims to support and empower people living with psoriasis as they await access to vital healthcare services.

Hosted by broadcaster Dr Ciara Kelly, PsO Let’s Talk Psoriasisis the first series of its kind designed to bridge this gap in support, by providing access to expert guidance from leading Irish dermatologists and healthcare professionals to help people manage their psoriasis while they wait to access specialist care.

Psoriasis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory skin disorder that affects at least 73,000 people in Ireland.

Hear from professionals

Professor Brian Kirby, Consultant Dermatologist, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, who features in the series,says: “The key for a person who is newly diagnosed with psoriasis is to understand that with access to modern therapies, 99% of psoriasis patients can have their disease controlled adequately. While waiting lists continue to be an issue that has worsened through the Covid-19 pandemic, people living with psoriasis can take steps to manage their condition while they wait. This video and podcast series can provide vital information — in an accessible format — from the healthcare professionals they are waiting to see.”

Content for the four episodes has been informed by feedback from people living with psoriasis in Ireland who highlight the need for information and support during the long waiting times. It also highlights the need for greater education on the associated possibility of developing a related inflammatory form of arthritis — psoriatic arthritis.

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Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, yet arguably the most preventable. As we head into winter, many things hibernate — but skin cancer does not.

It is as important to protect your skin during the winter as much as the summer. As altitude increases, so does skin cancer risk. The strength of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation may be less in winter, but it still increases your overall skin cancer risk — as does sunbed use.

Skin cancer in Ireland

Each year, almost 13,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland. Nine out of every ten skin cancers are caused by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds.

What is skin cancer?

There are two main types of skin cancer: non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer. Non-melanoma skin cancer is much more common but less aggressive than melanoma skin cancer. It accounts for 11,763 cases, yearly, in Ireland.

Nine out of every ten skin cancers are caused
by UV rays from the sun or sunbeds.

Melanoma skin cancer

Melanoma is the least common but most serious form of skin cancer. The most common sign is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. The majority (70.9%) of melanomas develop from new growths, and only a minority (29.1%) arise from an existing mole or nevus. Everyone needs to check their skin for new moles and not just changes to existing moles.

Use the ABCDE guide to check mole changes

Asymmetry – If you draw a line down the centre of your mole, is it larger on one side?

Border – Are the borders of your mole uneven, jagged or notched?

Colour – Has your mole changed colour over time, or does it contain different colours?

Diameter – Is the circumference of your mole larger than the top of a rubber on a pencil (larger than 6mm)? However, melanomas can be smaller.

Evolving – Do you notice any changes within or around your mole (eg. height or appearance)?

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation

Exposure to UV radiation is the main risk factor for skin cancer. It is emitted from the sun, sunbeds and sun lamps. You can’t feel UV rays — the heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, which can’t burn you. It’s the sun’s UV rays rather than the sun’s heat which causes the skin to burn or tan. Therefore, it does not have to be sunny for UV rays to damage the skin. When the UV index is three or above, you must protect your skin.

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