TV and radio campaign to raise awareness on psoriasis

TV and radio stations from across the GCC have invited dermatologists to discuss live on air the topic of psoriasis and the impact it can have on a sufferer's life.

World Psoriasis Day (WPD) is an annual day specially dedicated to people with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Its aim is to raise the profile of a condition, which needs to be taken more seriously by national and international authorities. The day acts as a focus for people - patients, doctors, nurses and the general public - to give people with psoriasis the attention and consideration they deserve.

"Psoriasis can be a debilitating disease and the general public does not know enough about it. Many believe that Psoriasis is a cosmetic condition, but this is not the case and we need to raise more awareness on the disease. Psoriasis can impact a patient's personal, social and work life and in a number of cases it can have a detrimental effect on lives. This does not need to be the case," said Dr. Aisha Al Qutami, Head of Dermatology Department at Obaid Alah Hospital, Ras Al Khaima.

Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin disease that affects both men and women and is visible on the skin in the form of red itchy scales. Psoriasis usually appears on the elbows and knees of the patient, but sometimes may affect the lower back, face and the feet. In patients suffering from psoriasis there is abnormal cell hyperproliferation where the cells embedded in the epidermis hyperproliferate much faster than in normal individuals and stack up on the surface of the skin.

TV and/or radio stations in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman are all participating in the initiative and will air a discussion on psoriasis during the week of October 29th. The discussion will focus on solutions to improve the quality of life of those suffering from psoriasis in the Middle East and will include general information on the disease, its symptoms, different types, and its causes.

"I am very glad to be part of this campaign. Raising awareness on psoriasis will help people that are either misdiagnosed or unaware of the disease to seek treatment and remission," comments Dr. Hussein Abdel Dayem, Chief Dermatologist, Mafraq Hospital. "The campaign will also help shed light on psoriasis and remove some general misconceptions associated with the disease such as the idea that the disease is contagious. Other than the physical burden of the disease, the main issue I see with my psoriasis patients is the social and emotional turmoil they face, with some becoming chronically depressed."