First Psoriasis Patient Support Group initiated in Jeddah

The meeting aims to improve the quality of life of psoriasis sufferers by offering patients the opportunity of interacting with leading experts such as dermatologists and psychologists, as well as other patients suffering from the disease.

Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious chronic disease that affects nearly 2% of the world's population. It appears as patches of raised red skin covered with silvery scales known as plaques. The red scaly skin lesions can be itchy and, painful and commonly occur on the elbows and knees of the patient, but sometimes may affect the lower back, face and feet.

The meeting included a presentation by Dr. Ali Al Raddady, Consultant Dermatologist -National Guard Hospital, Jeddah- on symptoms and treatments of psoriasis. 'Living with psoriasis can present significant challenges to the patient. The Patient Support Group represents a firm commitment to improving the lives of patients by providing education and support,' said Dr. Al Raddady. 'At the meeting we addressed new biological therapies, which work on the body's immune system and have been approved to treat forms of the disease. Each case is treated individually based upon the severity of the disease, type of psoriasis and the patient's attitude toward and response to initial treatments,' he added.

In addition to the negative physical impact, psoriasis can also affect people's feelings, behaviors and experiences, which can have social and economic consequences. Dr Mustafa Al Saadani, Consultant Psychologist, National Guard Hospital, Jeddah spoke about the emotional aspects of psoriasis. He commented, 'Due to the visible effects of the disease, psoriasis patients are particularly prone to stress and in some cases depression. For patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, the help of a psychologist can be highly beneficial to help patients manage their stress levels and reduce flare ups'.

The Patient Support Group is part of Wyeth Pharmaceutical's on going efforts to educate and improve the quality of life of psoriasis sufferers. The Support Group is tailored to the needs of the patients, enabling them to better understand and manage the disease.