Tullamore woman calls for more comprehensive psoriasis care

Tullamore woman Zoe Ryan is calling for more comprehensive care for psoriasis patients this World Psoriasis Day (October 29).

Zoe has been advocating on behalf of those living with psoriasis for a number of years, filming a documentary in 2021 on the subject and setting up an awareness platform on Instagram entitled, 'Itching To Tell You.'

This year’s Psoriasis Awareness Week, running from October 29 to November 4, focuses on the Comorbidities of Psoriasis. Zoe is now joining other advocates and organizations to raise awareness of serious conditions associated with psoriasis, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, psoriatic arthritis (PsA), uveitis, and other autoimmune disorders like inflammatory bowel disease. Mental health challenges, frequently neglected in discussions about psoriasis, are also a central focus this year.

“Psoriasis is a systemic disease that affects the entire body, not just the skin,” Zoe said. “But treatment in Ireland still primarily focuses on clearing the skin, ignoring the severity and complexity of the condition. That’s a major flaw in the way we approach care.”

Zoe, who was diagnosed with psoriasis over a decade ago, is frustrated by the lack of progress in the approach to psoriasis treatment in Ireland. She believes that many patients remain unaware of the broader implications of their condition.

“The explanation from clinicians is still vague and doesn’t address that psoriasis isn’t just a skin problem,” she said.

“When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know that the real issue was internal. Many of us don’t realise that we’re at risk of developing other, potentially more serious conditions, and this isn’t usually communicated during diagnosis or follow-up appointments.”

This year’s Psoriasis Awareness Week is making strides toward a shift in perspective, moving away from the outdated notion that psoriasis is just a cosmetic issue. The campaign’s theme seeks to highlight the internal health risks associated with psoriasis and advocate for better education, diagnosis, and treatment.

“I’m glad this year’s theme finally focuses on the comorbidities of psoriasis,” Zoe said. “It’s time to stop fixating on skin clearance and start treating psoriasis as the complex, multi-dimensional disease that it is. Psoriasis is so much more than what’s on the surface, and it needs a comprehensive approach to care.”

Zoe’s advocacy has also gained attention within the medical community. She recently co-authored an article for the British Journal of Dermatology with Resident Doctor Ghufran Bander and Dr. Julia Schofield, titled “Why Do We Treat Psoriasis”.

The article challenges the longstanding obsession with clear skin, calling for more transparency in treatment, realistic expectations, and a more holistic approach to care.

“It’s time for a change in how we think about psoriasis,” Zoe said. “It shouldn’t be dismissed as just a skin issue. With better awareness of the comorbidities, we can ensure that people living with psoriasis get the comprehensive care they need.”

Zoe hopes that this year’s awareness campaign will help spark the changes needed in how psoriasis is diagnosed, managed, and understood in Ireland.