CLEARING THE PSORIASIS PATH: A petition to put psoriasis on the healthcare map in Australia

HELP CLEAR THE PSORIASIS PATH

SIGN THE PETITION THAT WILL PUT PSORIASIS ON THE MAP IN AUSTRALIA

The circumstances of many Australians with psoriasis are made worse by misconceptions about the disease, low awareness of its impact and tight restrictions on new treatments.

Many of the discussions on psoriasis-related forums and Facebook groups in Australia make reference to the frustrations felt by those affected by psoriasis.

To mark World Psoriasis Day this year (29th October 2011), Psoriasis Australia, with the support of Janssen, will be launching a petition that aims to give a voice to those people most affected.

The petition is below. We urge you to sign it – and to tell your friends and colleagues about it.

Signed,

Psoriasis Australia

 

Supported by Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd

CLEARING THE PSORIASIS PATH

A petition to put psoriasis on the healthcare map in Australia

We, the undersigned, urge Australian policy makers, healthcare professionals and general consumers to act positively in the following ways in relation to the debilitating auto-immune condition that is psoriasis:


•    Acknowledge that psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that is more than just a skin condition. It affects approximately 2.3% of the Australian population1  and is usually characterised by painful, itchy, patches of thick, red or inflamed skin covered with scales known as plaques.

•    Understand that people living with psoriasis not only have to manage their skin flare-ups but often have to manage a multitude of other issues – often psychological in nature -  that are directly related to psoriasis.

•    Accept that finding a solution for psoriasis on an individual basis can be a long and difficult journey. Medical approaches often begin with topical therapy (such as ointments and creams), then moves to phototherapy and systemic therapy (which works inside the body). This can be a frustrating process because treatments that work well first may lose their effectiveness over time, or a treatment that works well in one person may have little effect in another.

•    Support initiatives which aim to dispel myths related to psoriasis. Many in the community hold misconceptions about the disease (for example, that it is contagious) and these can have negative impacts on those who are trying to manage the disease.

•    Support improved access to new systemic treatments (known as biologics) available in Australia which work by blocking the action of certain immune cells or their products that contribute to the cause of psoriasis2. These treatments are currently restricted to those who have moderate to severe psoriasis and those who have “tried and failed” many other treatment options.

By acting in ways outlined in this petition we hope that in the future Australians will:

•    Help elevate psoriasis as a healthcare issue in Australia
•    Better understand the impact of psoriasis on those who are affected by it
•    Help deliver better treatment options for those seeking a solution
•    Be more supportive and compassionate in dealing with their friends and colleagues who have the condition



1.  Gudjonsson JE, Elder JT. Psoriasis: epidemiology. Clin Dermatol. 2007 Nov-Dec;25(6):535-46
2. The Psoriasis Association. Treatments for Psoriasis. Access via http://www.psoriasis-association.org.uk/treatments.html


 


Supported by Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd

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