On the occasion of the 10th World Psoriasis Day, a survey reminds us that this skin disease remains poorly understood and poorly perceived by the French.
2.5 million French people live with psoriasis. A disease where the skin renews itself at an abnormally rapid rate. This proliferation of skin cells causes thick red patches of varying extent, covered with white dead skin, the “scales”. These lesions are most often found on the hands, elbows, knees, lower back, or on the face and scalp. These patches do not itch or only slightly. And, although many French people still seem to ignore it, psoriasis is not a contagious disease. So, on the occasion of the 10th World Disease Day, France Psoriasis (1) has chosen to fight against these prejudices, by informing and raising awareness among the French about the disease through a major campaign which will begin on October 29. .
Psoriasis remains poorly known to the French
According to an OpinionWay survey (2), 1/3 of French people know without knowing what psoriasis is. 8 out of 10 French people recognize psoriasis as an inflammatory skin disease. However, 1 in 5 French people do not know the definition of the disease and associate it with a psychological problem or a lack of hygiene. However, the origin of the disease is not psychological, but genetic. It associates a deregulation of skin renewal and immunity. It can affect both men and women, at any age and at any time in life. In addition, the increase in the prevalence of psoriasis and the influence of lifestyle on the disease (sedentary lifestyle) have recently been confirmed by work carried out by Norwegian researchers.
42% of French people prefer to keep their distance from patients
Even if most of the French people questioned gave the correct definition of the disease, 32% still have an erroneous image and 11% do not know how to characterize it. Locked in their a priori, such as the lack of hygiene of patients and the risk of contagion, 42% of respondents would avoid physical contact during a first meeting with a person suffering from the disease. “Prejudices which stigmatize and which patients face daily”, indicates the association.
A campaign to fight discrimination against patients
In addition, more than 9 in 10 French people say they are aware of the discrimination that people with psoriasis suffer on a daily basis. “Love, social and professional life are a constant struggle for patients, which sometimes leads to depression and general discomfort”, recalls France Psoriasis
So, to put an end to prejudices and try to better inform, France Psoriasis will launch from October 29 a great campaign in the media, which will be available in billboards, press ads and TV spots.
At the same time as this media campaign, the association’s various delegations will set up conferences and local actions in 20 French regions, in order to better inform and raise awareness among the general public.
Finally, once again this year, France Psoriasis is developing “Psoriasis Advice Points” in pharmacies. 1,000 of them will be mobilized on the occasion of World Day. They are committed to listening, informing, guiding and helping people affected by the disease.
(1) France Psoriasis is a patient association which brings together 15,000 people with Psoriasis across France. Its mission is to inform, educate and support patients, their families and all those involved in health on a daily basis, but also to encourage medical research and to raise awareness among political authorities about the disease.
(2) OpinionWay survey conducted on July 15 and 16, 2013 on a sample of 1,002 people representative of the French population aged 18 and over.
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