STA. BARBARA, Pangasinan (PIA) — In recognition of World Psoriasis Day on October 29, a health expert at the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) is urging the public to end discrimination against those living with psoriasis.
Dr. Janice Rigos, a consultant at the Dermatology Department of R1MC, said that psoriasis is a “chronic” skin condition caused by an immune system disorder, characterized by inflammation and skin thickening, and is sometimes accompanied by painful arthritis, heart disease, and psychosocial challenges, all of which lead to significant difficulties for patients.
“While psoriasis is a lifelong condition with no cure, it is important to note that it is not contagious. There is no need for fear or discrimination against those living with the condition,” she said during the recent Pantongtongan Tayo virtual presser of PIA Pangasinan.
Emphasizing its prevalence, Rigos noted that psoriasis consistently ranks among the top five reasons for dermatological consultations at R1MC in Pangasinan, with patients also coming from nearby provinces.
Psoriasis affects individuals of all ages globally, with many patients seeking consultation between the ages of 15 and 30.
“The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood. Having a family member with the condition does not mean you will get it. However, factors like exposure to ultraviolet light, skin infections and trauma (physical injury or damage to the skin), and certain medications can interact with your genes and increase the risk of developing psoriasis,” said Rigos.
Common signs and symptoms of psoriasis include red patches on the skin with silvery-white scales that can be itchy, thickened rashes, joint pain, and, in some cases, nail problems such as discoloration, along with dry patches on the scalp.
Rigos advised that individuals seeking consultation should visit a dermatologist instead of relying on fellow patients for advice, as treatments that work for one person may not be effective for another and could worsen the condition.
“Treatment options, including ointments and injections, are tailored to the severity of the condition. Some patients experience significant improvement, with many enjoying long periods without rashes, while others may face flare-ups that can last for years,” she said.
The Dermatology Department of R1MC at Arellano Street, Dagupan City, is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Online consultation is also available.
Patients can contact the R1MC Dermatology Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/r1mcdermatology.
Alvin Abelgas, who has been living with psoriasis for 13 years, recounted how his life was drastically altered.
“I was a graduating student in 2011, filled with dreams of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by 2012, but psoriasis imposed many limitations on me. Whenever I was confronted about my skin condition, I would simply say it was an allergy. I also isolated myself for nearly a year,” he said.
“By 2016, the social and emotional burden had overwhelmed me. I started working from home because I could no longer handle interacting with people, as I could clearly feel the discrimination from others,” he added.
That same year, he joined a support group called Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil), where he realized he was not alone, citing a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that one to two percent of the Philippine population is affected by psoriasis, which translates to roughly 33,000 to 36,000 individuals in Pangasinan living with the condition.
He encouraged those living with psoriasis to join support groups, including R1MC’s Psoriasis Club (PsorClub), the PsorPhil – Pangasinan Chapter, and Psoriasis Leaders (PsorLead), to gain access to valuable resources, share experiences, and receive emotional support from others facing similar challenges.
Meanwhile, the financial burden is also a big challenge for patients like Abelgas because treatments can be very expensive.
Rigos stated that treatment costs vary based on severity, reaching six figures and potentially even millions.
However, she happily announced that R1MC offers free consultations and laboratory services for patients who are members of the hospital’s Psoriasis Club, which has been established at R1MC for three years.
She encouraged psoriasis patients in Pangasinan to join R1MC’s PsorClub to reduce their financial burden, highlighting the club’s commitment to an inclusive environment for those affected by the condition.
Also, she mentioned that there are donors from the Philippine Dermatological Society and generous individuals who contribute in kind or cash to provide free medications and multivitamins for psoriasis patients.
With continued awareness and support, Rigos hopes that misconceptions about psoriasis will end, allowing patients to live more openly and confidently. (AMB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
