International Federation of Psoriasis Associations: Psoriasis – putting a global health challenge in the spotlight

STOCKHOLM, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

What many people might see as a mere discomfort, or a cosmetic problem, is in fact a serious, inflammatory, immune-mediated disease. Psoriasis can also, due to its very visual nature, be highly stigmatizing, in some cases leading to ostracism, discrimination and severe loss of self-esteem, even thoughts of suicide.

As a multi-national effort to come to terms with some of these very alarming issues, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, IFPA, launched the Under the Spotlight film project in 2009, to raise awareness about psoriasis and to try to eradicate the many myths and misconceptions associated with the disease. Since then the project has seen contributions from 18 countries and more than a hundred short films, featuring people with psoriasis who have chosen to share their stories with the world.

I am who I am

I am who I am, says 28-year old Sheila, in one of the most recent Under the Spotlight films. Sheila, who lives in Spain and is an active member of Accin Psoriasis, the Spanish association of psoriasis patients, refuses to change her way of life because of her condition or how others might react to it, instead using it to educate people on what it is like to have psoriasis.

Sheilas film was launched on the Under the Spotlight website together with the other 2012 films on World Psoriasis Day, October 29, and went on to win the international poll among the websites visitors on most compelling film on psoriasis, the Under the Spotlight Award.

I am very happy to have won this award so unexpectedly and have shown another view for all psoriasis patients. My story is the story of many people who also suffer from psoriasis in the world. Therefore, this award is not only for me but also for all of them, Sheila says in response to the news that her film has received the highest number of votes.

We have put psoriasis on the agenda

Psoriasis is associated with great suffering, and impacts the lives of millions of people all over the world, yet it isnt recognized as a serious disease by either global or national health authorities.

IFPA, along with its national member organizations, strives on a daily basis for this recognition and to get psoriasis on the political agenda. As one of IFPAs most successful projects, Under the Spotlight has helped gain recognition of what it actually means to live with psoriasis.

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International Federation of Psoriasis Associations: Psoriasis – putting a global health challenge in the spotlight