Hi, I'm Dan and I have been a psoriasis sufferer for most of my life. I have been lucky in that my psoriasis is only mild and for the most part concealable. I've joined this forum to offer and share ideas, remedies and ideas with other sufferers of this condition.

Dan

Objectives:  To better define mechanisms by which etanercept (Enbrel) improves psoriasis and to gain insight into disease pathogenesis.

Methods:  We investigated the early biochemical and cellular effects of etanercept on skin lesions in responder patients prior to substantial clinical improvement (≤4 weeks).

Results:  By 1 week, etanercept acutely suppressed gene expression of the IL-20 subfamily of cytokines (IL-19, IL-20, IL-24), which were found to be predominantly epidermis-derived and which are implicated in stimulating epidermal hyperplasia. Additionally, by 1 week of therapy, suppression of other keratinocyte-derived products (chemokines, antimicrobial proteins) occurred, while suppression of epidermal regenerative hyperplasia occurred within 1-3 weeks. Th17 elements (IL-23p19, IL-12p40, IL-17A, IL-22) were suppressed by 3-4 weeks. In vitro, TNF-α and IL-17A coordinately stimulated the expression of the IL-20 subfamily in normal keratinocytes.

Conclusions:  Based on the rapid suppression of regenerative hyperplasia, chemokines, and other keratinocyte-derived products, including the IL-20 subfamily, we propose that epidermal activation is a very early target of etanercept. As many of these keratinocyte markers are stimulated by TNF-α, their rapid downregulation likely reflects etanercept’s antagonism of TNF-α. Additionally, decreased epidermal hyperplasia might result specifically from acute suppression of the IL-20 subfamily, which is also a likely consequence of etanercept’s antagonism of TNF-α. Thus, the IL-20 subfamily has potential importance in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and therapeutic response to etanercept.

Source: British Journal of Dermatology. onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Has anyone had any real success without any appreciable side effects
? Thanx, Marlin

psoriasisclub.org Hi, My name is Marlin, and I have Psoriasis Plaque BAD! I started getting it about 10 years ago,...and now my wife finally left me. Bout fed up feeling like a Leper, or a mangy dog. Seems as tho a Psoriasis person has 2 choices...Live with a Lousy Rash that irritates other people and try creams that dont work well...or take meds that threaten your very being by destroying organs etc. Anyhow,...I hope God has sent me to the right place for help. Here I am,...I'm reaching out...FINALLY

Hello My name is Emma and I have been diagnosed this week. On my various searches I found your forum.

I have had this for 2 years+ and have not gone to the doctors in that time as a) I thought it was something else and b) I have been too embarrassed. Over the last few months for so it has moved to my head and it's extremely itchy and have been feeling exhausted all the time which I have put down to my job. Previously it has been confined to my unmentionables and I put it down to being overweight (front and back, thought I had Hermaroids and thrush and trying to self treat). I went to the doctors on Wednesday and had a lecture about not going sooner and the embarrassment of being examined by a male doctor and a nurse whose intake a breath showed her disgust.

I don't have an intimate relationship with my partner which does not bod well as we are supposed to be getting married and want to have more children. I work nights in a highly stressful job, long shifts and plenty of stress however I do find this very enjoyable.

My boss has forced me to go to the doctors as she was worried that I was suffering from depression (was off for 4 months following my Dad's death last year). Feel embarrassed to talk to her about this new development. I just want to cry.

Any advice you can offer would be appreciated. I want to try and change my diet and an unsure how fast or what to cut out first. I want to get better and have a better standard of life.

Thanks in advance

Hello there everybody. My PPP has been a lot better since PUVA, which finished about two months ago It has cleared from my hands and my feet have been a lot more comfortable.

Alas, I got a very stressful long phone call last evening. I have been trying my best not to over-react to it and keep calm all day. I don't really want to put this in writing, in case it makes it "real", but I think that PPP is maybe beginning to reappear on my left foot. Can PPP really react this quickly? If it can, it's a real warning.

Thanks for being there. Susie

UPDATE: Some of our members got together and decided the DLQI used by dermatologists didn't give a good representation of how psoriasis affects our daily life, so we decided to make our own version and this is what we came up with:
https://psoriasisclub.com/psoriasisquali...score.html

XenoPort, Inc. (Nasdaq: XNPT) announced today that it was awarded U.S. Patent 8,148,414 for "Prodrugs of Methyl Hydrogen Fumarate, Pharmaceutical Compositions Thereof, and Methods of Use." The term of the patent extends until 2029, subject to potential Hatch-Waxman patent term extensions.

The patent is directed to the XP23829 compound, analogs thereof and formulations thereof. A related U.S. patent application directed to therapeutic uses of XP23829 is now pending.

XP23829 is a prodrug of methyl hydrogen fumarate, also known as monomethyl fumarate (MMF). In cell- and animal-based models, MMF has been shown to exhibit immuno-modulatory properties and inhibit damage from oxidative stress.

In XenoPort's preclinical animal studies that compared molar equivalent doses of XP23829 to dimethyl fumarate (DMF), another prodrug of MMF, XP23829 demonstrated a greater degree of efficacy in animal models of both multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis. Toxicology studies conducted in two species showed that XP23829 caused less stomach irritation compared to DMF.

XenoPort intends to file an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for XP23829 for the treatment of relapsing remitting MS with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the second quarter of 2012 and expects to initiate human clinical trials later this year.

XenoPort owns all rights to XP23829.

Source: xenoport.com

Hi, I'm new to the forum and hope to contribute as well as learn from others.

I have had psoriasis since around age 15 and psoraitic arthritis since around age 23. I've tried many many drugs to help it including Humira which worked amazingly temporarily.

My reason for posting today is, I am always tired and drained feeling and I am wondering if this is caused by my psoriasis? I figure, if a cold or other sickness makes you feel week, then anything else stressing your immune system could do the same, right?

If this is why I always feel like this, is there anything I can do to help it?

Has anyone else noticed how stress affects their Psoriasis?

I have noticed that when i'm very stressed the Psoriasis becomes much more visable but when i'm feeling relaxed it almost disappears. Has anyone else had similar experiences?

Richard
25, Male

Dear All,

I just wanted to introduce myself and talk about my Psoriasis a little bit. It would be nice to have someone to speak with about it, if someone had the time.

I am 25 years old, male, working in a busy job in london but without too many life-responsibilities. I am not married and do not have children so life is sort of simple on the whole.

I was diagnosed with Psoriasis a few months ago although i noticed it first about 2 years ago localised on my elbows.

The psoriasis came to life when i was in a highly stressful sitaution at work. I tried to fight the stress and ignore it at first but i eventually quit my job and became unemployed for a few months. I was severely stressed due to work, i used to get stomache cramps and breathing problems in the evenings. In short i hated my job and my colleagues. It was my first encounter with stress but it was severe. I would say that i have not really been highly stressed since but i've noticed that since being very highly stressed in the past it can sneak up on me from time to time and it is something i try my best to control.

I've noticed that when i bcome stressed the Psoriasis tends to become worse. It shows on the back of my hands and knuckles. As of today i'm feeling quite chilled with everything and it's not showing on my hands and is only lightly on my elbows. I'm enjoying life, have a very nice job with great colleagues and a nice girlfriend.

From what i have noticed the Psoriasis is directly linked with my stress levels so i am always trying to keep my stress to minimum.

As already mentioned I am treating it by keeping a stress-free life but also:

- I am very active with exercise which i think helps. I go to the gym 3 times minimum a week and do a variety of weight lifting a long cardio sessions. I think this helps a lot and also helps to keep me stress free.
- I have not quit, but i have reduced my alcohol intake massively. I get drunk very rarely now and hardly ever socially drink. I do not drink with meals either.
- I have upped my water intake substantially and eat fruits regularly (not sure if this actually does anything though)
- In terms of medicine i take prescribed Dovonex Ointment for my elbows which i massage into my skin in the evenings
- I also take vitamins D, Evening Primrose Oil and Cystenine (in 1 tablet) (otherwise known at Skin, Hair and Nails) and i also take Omega Oils 3, 6 and 9. I also take vitamin c every two days. I have been taking these for about 6 weeks now and i think it is benefitting me somewhat.
- I have done a few sun bed treatments at my gym just to experiement what would happen but this seemed to make no difference.

Well that's all i have to say... I think that stress is the key here and it is this which causes outbreaks. So i'm going to try my best to live a stress free life... but obviously this is easier said than done...

Thanks if you read. I would love to have any comments!

Kindest Regards,

Richard

The second round of talks about the new Skin Tax is being discussed today by members of the European Parliament in Brussels. It’s estimated that Psoriasis costs businesses in each EU country over €97 Million in lost working hours, and the health systems another €853 Million. Taking into account other skin problems the total loss to the EU is estimated to be €232.7 Billion per year.

The new Skin Tax has been put forward as a cost cutting measure to help with the Euro Crisis, and the 751 members of the European Parliament have been asked to give suggestions for the new Skin Tax.

Today is the second round of discussions before the proposals accepted from the first round of talks are put to the vote.  The results of the vote will choose the top two proposals which will go forward to be discussed at the third and final round.

The proposals already accepted from the first round of talks are:

#1 Everyone over the age of 18 will have to pay a Skin Tax of €17 per annum.

#2 All people over the age of 16 with a skin complaint will have to pay a Skin Tax of €57 per annum.

#3 All adults will pay €5 per annum, children €1 per anum, pensioners and unemployed will be exempt, but people classified as obese will have to pay an extra €0.05 per kilo they are classified as overweight.

#4 A €2.50 Skin Tax charged to all adult visitors to the EU from a non-member country. It’s estimated that this option will bring in €200 Billion per annum with a bonus of another €1.3 Billion for this year’s Olympics in the UK.  

#5 Only people with healthy skin over the age of 18 and in work will pay a Skin Tax of €12 per annum. Those people with healthy skin not in work but over 18 will have to do 1 hour hospital community service per year.  

As a psoriasis patient the best option for you would be #5 as you wouldn’t have to pay any Skin Tax.

So what can you do?
Well you could talk to your local politician who has a seat on the European Parliament and try to swing him/her to Option #5.

But probably the best thing would be to make your voice heard at the online Skin Tax Poll which has been set up by FSTFA (free skin treatment for all) they have the 5 options above on the poll with the addition of their own choice which is “The Skin Tax proposals are against EU health regulation BF19353/E-section5D2”
EU regulations BF19353/E-section5D2 states that a Europe wide change in any form of funding for dermatologic healthcare, cannot be decided upon without full representation from a body of 5 dermatologists from each EU member country.

Leo Pharma, a global leader in dermatology preparations, has rolled out a first-of-its-kind support programme for psoriasis patients in the region starting next month.

Leo Pharma, makers of a new once-daily gel formulation for the treatment of scalp psoriasis, said that its programme MOMENT will be run across the UAE and the Gulf in partnership with psychologists and dermatologists.

“There are a sizeable number of psoriasis patients across the UAE and the Gulf region and MOMENT will address them on an emotional scale, a very imperative need considering the psychological impact of this skin disease on a person,” said Hisham Omar, general manager, Gulf Region, Iran, Yemen & Turkey, Leo Pharma.

“We believe that MOMENT is perhaps a first-of-its-kind support programme for psoriasis patients in the Gulf since such endeavours are largely unknown and are far and few in the region, he said, adding that the support programme had been running in other countries in the world and some parts of the Mena successfully.”

“Psoriasis being a life-long disease, national support groups play a very important role in engaging the patients on a psychological plane helping them manage their life on a day-to-day basis,” said Dr Hussain Abdel Dayem, consultant dermatologist at Al Noor Hospital, Abu Dhabi.

He said currently there are no national support groups for psoriasis patients in the UAE or the Gulf region.

“It is estimated that some 2.8 per cent of the UAE’s population has psoriasis affliction and support groups are a dire necessity. Psoriasis affects all ages and mostly among middle aged people, but we have even seen it among kids,” Dr Dayem said.

I'm saying nothing: https://psoriasisclub.org/showthread.php?tid=513

Detailed Results:
In this study, treatment with brodalumab every other week resulted in mean improvements in PASI scores of 85.9 percent (140 mg), 86.3 percent (210 mg) and 45.0 percent (70 mg) versus 16.0 percent with placebo (all p<0.001). A monthly dose of brodalumab at 280 mg was associated with a mean PASI improvement of 76 percent. Approximately 30 percent of patients in the placebo group had worsening psoriasis.

The study also evaluated secondary endpoints including PASI 75, PASI 90 and PASI 100, which indicate 75 percent, 90 percent and 100 percent reductions in patient PASI scores from baseline, respectively. In patients dosed with 140 mg of brodalumab, 77 percent achieved a 75 percent reduction in their PASI score, 72 percent achieved a 90 percent reduction and 38 percent experienced total clearance (PASI 100) (all p<0.001). In patients dosed with 210 mg of brodalumab, 82 percent achieved a 75 percent reduction, 75 percent achieved a 90 percent reduction and 62 percent experienced total clearance (PASI 100) (all p<0.001). 

The most commonly reported adverse events in the combined brodalumab groups were common cold (eight percent), upper respiratory tract infection (eight percent) and injection site redness (six percent). Two cases of grade three neutropenia were reported in the 210 mg brodalumab group.

Study Design:
The study was a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial designed to assess the efficacy and safety of brodalumab in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Patients with a PASI >12 and affected body surface area >10 percent were randomized to receive brodalumab (70, 140 or 210 mg at day one and weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 or 280 mg monthly) or placebo.

About Brodalumab (AMG 827)
Brodalumab (AMG 827) is a highly-selective human monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks signaling via the IL-17 receptor. The IL-17 pathway plays an important role in inducing and promoting inflammatory disease processes.

Brodalumab is the only investigational treatment in development that blocks the IL-17 receptor, thereby blocking several of the IL-17 ligands at once from sending signals to the body. Currently, other agents in development seek to target the individual IL-17 ligands.  By stopping IL-17 ligands from binding with the receptor, brodalumab prevents the body from receiving signals that may lead to inflammation and other ailments.

Brodalumab is currently being investigated for the treatment of psoriasis (Phase 2 and planned Phase 3), psoriatic arthritis (Phase 2) and asthma (Phase 2).

Source: amgen.com

New Phase II data, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that Eli Lilly and Company's (NYSE: LLY) ixekizumab (pronounced ix" e kiz' ue mab, previously known as LY2439821), an anti-IL-17 monoclonal antibody, met its primary endpoint in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, with significantly more patients achieving at least a 75 percent improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores from baseline (PASI 75) compared with placebo at week 12.

PASI score represents a combined assessment of overall skin lesions ranging from 0 for no psoriasis to 72 for the worst possible psoriasis in a patient and is a standard measure of skin disease severity in clinical trials in psoriasis. A PASI 75 response in a patient represents a 75 percent reduction of PASI scores from baseline. 

In the 142-subject study, significantly more patients achieved a PASI 75 response in the 150 mg (82 percent), 75 mg (83 percent) and 25 mg (77 percent) ixekizumab groups compared with placebo (8 percent, p < 0.001) at week 12. The 10 mg dose (29 percent) did not separate from placebo at week 12.

Secondary endpoints included an evaluation of the percentage of patients achieving at least 90 percent and 100 percent improvement in PASI (PASI 90 or PASI 100) at week 12. In patients treated with ixekizumab, the percentages of patients achieving a PASI 90 response were 71 percent (150 mg), 59 percent (75 mg) and 50 percent (25 mg), which were significantly higher than with placebo (0 percent). PASI 100 responses were significantly better at the 150 mg dose (39 percent) and 75 mg dose (38 percent) when compared with placebo (0 percent). PASI 100 responses at the 25 mg (17 percent) and 10 mg doses (0 percent) were not significantly greater than placebo, nor was the PASI 90 response at the 10 mg dose (18 percent).

PASI 75 response was significantly better than placebo as early as week 2 at the highest dose, and significant differences from placebo in PASI scores were seen as early as week 1 at the two highest doses and by week 4 for the remaining two doses. Differences from placebo were sustained to week 20 in both PASI 75 responses and PASI scores.

Skin disease severity also was evaluated by static Physician Global Assessments (sPGA), with patients having a score of 3-5 (moderate to severe disease) at baseline. Significantly more patients treated with ixekizumab achieved an sPGA score of 0 (clear of disease) or 1 (minimal disease), when compared with placebo at week 12. The percentage of patients achieving an sPGA 0 or 1 score were 71 percent (150 mg), 72 percent (75 mg), 70 percent (25 mg) and 25 percent (10 mg) compared with 8 percent (placebo), with the highest three doses being significantly higher than placebo. The percentage of patients achieving an sPGA score of 0 at week 12 were 46 percent (150 mg), 38 percent (75 mg), 20 percent (25 mg), 7 percent (10 mg) and 0 percent (placebo), again with the highest three ixekizumab doses being significantly higher than placebo.

Approximately 40 percent of patients in the two highest dose groups had complete clearance of psoriasis plaques on the skin, as reflected by a reduction in the PASI score by 100 percent or an sPGA score of 0 at 12 weeks.

In addition, significant reductions in mean Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) and Psoriasis Scalp Severity Index (PSSI), which evaluate disease in the difficult-to-treat areas of nails and scalp, respectively, were seen at the two highest ixekizumab doses compared with placebo at week 12 (NAPSI: 150 mg [-49.3 percent], 75 mg  [-57.1 percent], placebo [+6.8 percent]; PSSI: 150 mg [-84.8 percent], 75 mg [-94.8 percent], placebo [-30.5 percent]).

The frequency of adverse events in both the combined ixekizumab groups and in the placebo group was 63 percent, with the most common adverse events observed being nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal passages and of the upper part of the pharynx), upper respiratory infection, injection site reactions and headache. There were no serious adverse events reported. Infections occurred in 33 percent (38 patients) of subjects receiving ixekizumab and 26 percent (seven patients) receiving placebo. No dose-related trends in infections or other adverse events were observed. Four patients (one in the placebo group, two in the 10 mg group and one in 25 mg group) discontinued the study due to adverse events.

"These data suggest ixekizumab may be an effective treatment for patients with chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and could represent a new treatment approach for patients with this condition," said Craig Leonardi, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, and lead author of the manuscript. "Further studies are needed, but we are encouraged by the results showing improvements in skin clearance early in treatment."

Source: lilly.com

hi my name is kristine joined today, a lil about myself i have had Psoriasis since i was 2 am now 48, and it loves me that much it never leaves lol, been on most of the treatments e.g creams light treatments tablets hospital stays, and now tablets again , at the moment i am on Fumaderm, , but the side effects are quite bad ,cramps flushing and always on the toilet, but am tryin to stay with it . thnxs for readin kristine

The latest set of quality standards covering a wide range of topics, including heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome, skin cancer, and obesity in adults, has been referred to NICE "National Institute For Health And Clinical Excellence"

NICE will also, for the first time, develop public health quality standards in areas that relate to the NHS.

The topics cover standards for smoking cessation, encouraging physical activity in all people in contact with the NHS and for preventing and managing alcohol misuse.

This is in line with a recommendation by the NHS Future Forum - a group of 45 independent health experts led by Professor Steve Field -for NICE to develop quality standards setting out the evidence based action that the NHS can take in relation to the main lifestyle risk factors.

This latest referral from the Department of Health will see NICE produce its first quality standards for blood disorders, hearing loss, skin conditions including psoriasis, and a number of service delivery standards such as out-of-hours care and trauma services.

Source: nice.org.uk

Joint-Venture of Fujifilm and Kyowa Hakko Kirin for the development, manufacturing and sales of biosimilars.

FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO Shigetaka Komori; hereinafter "Fujifilm") and Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. (President and CEO Nobuo Hanai; hereinafter "Kyowa Hakko Kirin") commenced business operations of the "FUJIFILM KYOWA KIRIN BIOLOGICS Co., Ltd." (President and CEO Hideaki Nomura; hereinafter "Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics"), a joint-venture for the development, manufacturing and sales of biosimilars.

Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics will merge Fujifilm's advanced production technology, quality control technology and analysis technology developed through its photographic film business over many years, with Kyowa Hakko Kirin's proprietary technologies and know-how, accumulated through its biopharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing, in order to create revolutionary production processes and to achieve cost reduction for biosimilars. The development and timely introduction of highly reliable, high-quality and cost-competitive biosimilars through this partnership will aim to obtain position as the market leader.

Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics will first focus on the development of the biosimilar of the fully human anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody HUMIRA (adalimumab), a drug with high therapeutic effects for psoriasis. After introducing the producing cell already produced by Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics plans to start clinical trials in the beginning of 2013. It will then proceed with its development aiming for market introduction 4 to 5 years after the start of clinical trials. The company also plans to start clinical trials of 1 biosimilar every year after 2014.

Source: fujifilm.com

After my report about Psoriasis 360 closing it's FB site and my thread Should Drug Manufacturers run help websites for psoriasis? I'm pleased to see the following information I have found today.

Quote:After Facebook's decision on August 15 to enforce open walls on the site's pharma pages, companies had two options: close down their pages altogether, or let the public openly comment on their products.

Quote:FDA issues may deter drugmakers from engaging in social media.

Quote:The firm was the latest among several drugmakers to do so following the social network's decision to enforce rules requiring corporate-run pages to allow comments.

Quote:It's like setting up a Twitter account and shutting it down because people are sending in comments.

Quote:Industry needs to differentiate as to when a company becomes responsible for certain activities, Is providing a platform enough to convert something into advertising?  

The following findings are based on the results of the Psoriasis Uncovered survey conducted during September 2010 amongst 363 Australians with psoriasis (aged 18+). The objective of the research was to assess the impact that living with psoriasis has on people’s experiences and choices in life: emotionally, socially and sexually. The average age of diagnosis within the sample was 22.3; the average time respondents have lived with psoriasis was 23.4 years. Of the survey sample, 55% were female and 45% were male. Ninety-two percent of respondents experienced flare-ups per year.

A hidden disease
• 71% try to conceal their psoriasis break-outs (or flare-ups) from other people most of the time or all of the time.
• A greater proportion of younger sufferers (under the age of 35) hide their flare-ups compared with those of 35 or older (82% vs. 68%).
• Of those who hide their condition, 83% hide it from the general public.
• 65% hide their psoriasis from their work colleagues and 49% hide it from their boss.
• Psoriasis is hidden from work colleagues by both men (68%) and women (63%).
• 58% hide their skin affliction from their friends and 39% even hide it from their closest friends.
• 40% of both men and women hide their psoriasis from their extended family and 20% even hide it from their partner or spouse.

The case for concealment: insecurity and stigma
• Embarrassment is the leading cause sufferers conceal their condition (82%).
• 48% hide their psoriasis because of a fear of having to explain or talk about it, with those aged 25-35 particularly scared to talk about their psoriasis (67%).
• 26% hide their condition because they fear they will be judged and 19% worry they will be discriminated against.
• The fear of being judged is particularly strong for those under 35 years of age (44%).
• Nearly half (47%) of all sufferers worry that the general public think their skin condition is a contagious disease.
• More than 1 in 3 (38%) feel the general public stare at them because of their psoriasis with 26% fearing that the general public are repulsed by the sight of their symptoms. Interestingly, this worry is felt equally by both men (27%) and women (24%).

Deflated passion and romance
• Almost two thirds (61%) of sufferers don’t feel sexy or attractive because of their psoriasis and this insecurity is shared by both women (66%) and men (56%).
• Sufferers aged 25-35 are particularly vulnerable to not feeling attractive or sexy (87%).
• 30% of sufferers do not feel affectionate toward their partner or children.
• As a result of their condition 30% do not want sex and surprisingly, the ‘mojo’ of both men and women wane due to their condition (33% of females and 26% of males do not want sex).

Relationship strains and mood swings
• 79% feel that their skin condition impacts negatively on their relationships.
• 80% experience mood changes, such as frustration and anger, when their psoriasis flares up or when they are experiencing symptoms.
• 94% of those who experience mood swings feel so much frustration with their symptoms that it wrecks havoc on many parts of their life, including their:
- Relationships (41%)
- Family life (38%)
- Social life (55%) and
- General health and well-being (64%).
• For sufferers aged 25-35, disruption to social life and relationships is particularly common (70% and 54%, respectively).

Work, rest and play: sufferers lose out time and time again
• One third of sufferers (33%) have not been able to attend an important event, such as a holiday or work meeting, due to a flare-up with younger people (aged 18–25) missing out the most (66%).
• Sufferers under retirement age miss an average of 4.4 days of work per year because of their condition, almost half of their annual sick-day entitlement.
• Nearly two thirds (64%) of sufferers who were diagnosed with psoriasis before the age of 10 were bullied at school because of their condition.

Increased alcohol intake: a vicious circle for some psoriasis sufferers
• Psoriasis leads more than 1 in 10 sufferers to drink more alcohol.
• Heightened alcohol intake is particularly prevalent in men (nearly 1 in 5 men drink more since having the condition and 1 in 10 men say that it makes them drink more alcohol).

Research methodology:
Psoriasis Uncovered was a quantitative survey conducted in Australia during September 2010 in conjunction with an independent market research agency, Stollznow Research. The sample includes 363 Australians of 18 years of age or older with psoriasis. The respondents were recruited via dermatologists and online advertising – 42% responded to the survey online, 58% submitted their answers via a written questionnaire. The survey is a partnership initiative between Psoriasis Australia and Abbott Australasia and the questionnaire was developed in consultation with Dr Chris Baker, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne.