Worth effort getting good care for psoriasis

A survey of nearly 500 New Zealanders living with psoriasis reveals more pain is associated with the chronic skin condition than just that from the scaly red skin lesions caused by the condition.

Psoriasis Association Southland (PAS) - the only support group for people living with psoriasis in New Zealand - and drug company AbbVie, in conjunction with dermatologists, recently surveyed 492 New Zealanders living with psoriasis.

Association president Patricia Officer Young, of Gore, said the survey revealed that people with psoriasis often had other associated conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, colitis and Crohn's disease.

''So psoriasis should be treated and there's plenty of great medication and treatments out there for people to try, until they get one that suits them.''

The survey revealed that 98% of the respondents experienced flaking skin, 70% experienced bleeding and 61% experienced pain associated with lesions, also called plaques.

Half of the respondents who reported living with moderate psoriasis said they had never received care from a dermatologist for management of their condition.

Of those with severe psoriasis, 21% had never seen a dermatologist for their condition.

Between 40% and 50% of respondents used only creams and lotions to treat their psoriasis.

Mrs Officer Young said anyone with psoriasis should see a dermatologist.

''They are specialists in skin conditions.''

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Worth effort getting good care for psoriasis