Wonder how it is living with a skin disease such a psoriasis? If you are not familiar with the condition or have relatives or friends who suffer from it, it can be difficult to relate to it. 

"A flare-up feels like sandpaper rubbing against my skin. Stress, infections, and cold weather are all triggers, but applying lotion and soaking in a warm bath helps." - Andy, 17. 

More than physical effects
As you may know, Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to grow too quickly. The result is red, scaly, itchy or often painful patches of skin. While the physical effects of psoriasis on a person can be apparent, the psychological effects are not.

"What triggers my psoriasis? Stress, stress, stress! Also anxiety and depression. These play such a role in my flare-ups that I sought treatment for those conditions – Summer, 29

That's why we at LEO Innovation Lab, amongst other things, work to de-mystify the lesser know adverse effects that people with psoriasis experience in their daily life. 

"Much is known about the physical impact of living with psoriasis; however, we are keen to understand the psychological effects, which are less well-known," - John Ziebert, Chief Medical Officer at Leo Innovation Lab


A recent study done by the Happiness Research Institute and Psohappy concluded that half of people with psoriasis say they have low self-esteem and 41% say they rarely feel confident. The study also found that people living with psoriasis have approximately 20% lower level of happiness compared to the rest of the population.



"People often just view it as a skin condition when in fact it's an autoimmune disease that has a huge mental and psychological impact too," she continues. "Nothing can prepare or guide you through being told you are living with something chronic, and I think this can put a lot of people in a challenging mental position." says Holly at 27, who works to raise awareness on this. 

Dr. Adam Friedmann of the Harley Street Dermatology Clinic agree and says  "The psychological and social impact of psoriasis can be profound."

It's time to do something about it! That's why we are sponsoring the Relieve Itch and Skin Prediction challenge. Let's together help people improve their quality of life! 


Sources: 
http://www.prevention.com/beauty/living-with-psoriasis
http://www.psohappy.org/report2016
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/beauty/skincare/a27570/how-psoriasis-affects-your-mental-health/