Regional radio campaign in support of World Psoriasis Day

Radio stations from a number of Arab countries joined the initiative and invited well reputed local dermatologists to discuss live on air the topic of psoriasis and its dreadful impact on a sufferer's life.

World Psoriasis Day (WPD) is a global consortium of patient associations from all over the world who have joined forces to introduce World Psoriasis Day on October 29th of every year. The aims for WPD are to raise awareness about psoriasis, to encourage healthcare decision makers to give psoriasis sufferers better access to the most appropriate therapies for their condition, to deliver relevant information and knowledge to interested parties, and finally and mostly importantly to provide a patient voice platform.

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 proliferation where the cells embedded in the epidermis regenerate much faster than in normal individuals and stack up on the surface of the skin.

'People that suffer from mild to severe psoriasis have had their lives turned upside down.' says Dr. Aisha Al Qutami, Head of Dermatology Department at Obaid Alah Hospital, Ras Al Khaima and Member of the American Academy of Dermatology. 'Psoriasis is chronic skin condition that usually leaves patients feeling very uncomfortable, embarrassed and depressed. World Psoriasis Day not only aims to raise awareness of psoriasis but it also aims to give psoriasis sufferers the attention and consideration they truly deserve.'

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Lebanon radio stations are all participating in the initiative and will air a 15 -20 minute discussion on psoriasis on October 29th. The discussion will entail general information on psoriasis, its symptoms, different types, causes and potential solutions to improve the quality of life of those suffering from psoriasis in the Middle East.