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Public awareness on psoriasis increasing: health expert

By Digna Banzon

October 10, 2019, 9:57 pm

<p><strong>PSORIASIS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN. </strong> Dr. Victoria P. Guillano, MD, FPDS, president of the Psoriasis Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (PFPI) speaks with stakeholders and patients during the World Psoriasis Day celebration in Davao City on Wednesday (Oct. 9, 2019). Guillano says the stigma associated with psoriasis remains but notes that public awareness has continued to increase in the past years. <em>(PNA photo by Digna Banzon)</em></p>

PSORIASIS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.  Dr. Victoria P. Guillano, MD, FPDS, president of the Psoriasis Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (PFPI) speaks with stakeholders and patients during the World Psoriasis Day celebration in Davao City on Wednesday (Oct. 9, 2019). Guillano says the stigma associated with psoriasis remains but notes that public awareness has continued to increase in the past years. (PNA photo by Digna Banzon)

DAVAO CITY -- The stigma associated with psoriasis disease remains but public awareness continues to increase, a health expert said.

in an interview during the World Psoriasis Day celebration on Wednesday here, Dr. Victoria P. Guillano, MD, FPDS, president of the Psoriasis Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. (PFPI), attributed the increase to more patients seeking treatment .

Guillano said that according to psoriasis patients, the public has slowly learned to understand them.

She said psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that causes physical, emotional and social burdens.

“The presence of associated itch and lesions on visible and sensitive body areas in psoriasis patients are closely related to decreased psychosocial well-being and impact on the quality of life,' she said.

Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, whose message was read during the celebration, encouraged stakeholders to raise awareness and information on the proper treatment of the disease.

Sara commended the organizing committee of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Department of Dermatology for spearheading the awareness campaign and creating a platform where people with psoriasis can share their experiences and have their voices heard.

“I hope this celebration be instrumental in giving the people with psoriasis the access of affordable and appropriate treatment,” the mayor said.

Meanwhile, Guillano said psoriasis remains incurable but the skin can be cleared--its treatment ranging from PHP17,000 to PHP250,000 depending on the severity of the case.

"Our campaign includes lecture and wellness programs for the patients and the public as well," she said. (PNA)

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