Effects of psoriasis more than just skin deep
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent skin disorder that affects almost one million Canadians. Physical symptoms of psoriasis can include discomfort and pain, but aside from the physical effects of the disease, psoriasis can also have several serious physiological effects.
People suffering from psoriasis must often manage poor self-esteem, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide.
Raising awareness about psoriasis is the focus of Psoriasis Awareness Month during the month of October.
“Psoriasis is a disease that people can see but might not understand. No one can fully understand what it’s like to live with psoriasis unless they suffer from it themselves,” says John Frank* who has lived with psoriasis since the age of 13. “Before I received treatment, I would often have feelings of stress and anxiety with the thought of having to go out in public.”
Although there is no cure for psoriasis, the good news is that it can be treated. There are a number of Health Canada-approved biologic treatments available, like Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Raptiva and Amevive. These treatments can reduce the physical effects of psoriasis, and may help patients improve their quality of life with this disease. Access to these necessary treatments is important for those suffering from this debilitating skin condition.
In Alberta and Quebec, access to biologic treatment was made easier this year when the provinces granted reimbursement of Enbrel (etanercept) for adult patients with chronic, severe plaque psoriasis. For those who qualify, Enbrel is reimbursed under special consideration.
If you have psoriasis, want more information on the criteria for Enbrel reimbursement and/or other treatments, talk to your doctor or dermatologist. For full Enbrel prescribing information, please see the product monograph at http://www.amgen.ca.
*To protect his privacy, the patient’s name has been changed.
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