Paolo Bediones. Facebook.com/paolo.bediones

MANILA - Host Paolo Bediones surprised his social media followers when he admitted that he is suffering from psoriasis.

In a Facebook post on July 5, Bediones said he has been keeping his condition a secret "for more than half my life."

He turned 43 last March.

"I HAVE PSORIASIS. Don't worry, it's a non-communicable skin disorder. It is NOT CONTAGIOUS. It's a painful, chronic disease characterized by incessant itching and scratching. Occasional bleeding and scabbing. Reddening of the skin and flaking. It's not pretty for sure, but I have been hiding it well," he wrote in the post, which has been shared more than 1,000 times as of writing.

Bediones went on to shed light on the plight of his fellow psoriasis patients in the country.

"More than 2 million of my KABALAT in the country suffer the daily plight of flare ups that are mild to severe, that happen during bouts of stress and heat, and sometimes it's caused by the food we eat. Some have even perished from the ordeal.

"Every day we have to mentally prepare ourselves before we go out into the world. Each one of us insecure, knowing someone will notice the discolored patch of skin or the white flakes. Knowing someone would like to ask about it, but feel uncomfortable doing so," he said.

The TV anchor then asked the public to show their support for psoriasis patients and encourage them to seek treatment.

"If you, a family member, or a friend share these symptoms, look up Psor Phil and please see a specialist and learn about the various forms of treatment that exists. If you know anyone with psoriasis, hug them. If you see me on the street, hug me," he ended.

Other celebrities who have opened up about suffering from psoriasis include reality TV star Kim Kardashian and singer Britney Spears.

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Paolo Bediones admits suffering from psoriasis - ABS-CBN News