HONG KONG (Reuters) - When Gary Lai first came down with the skin disease psoriasis, he got so tired of the stigma he faced in the outside world that he would lock himself away in his apartment whenever he didn't have to be at work.
"When you have to apply ointment all over your body, it is impractical. It also has a smell and when you go to work, your colleagues will start asking questions," said Lai, who was 24 when he was diagnosed.
Now Lai, 41, and other Hong Kong residents suffering from psoriasis - a lifelong autoimmune disease that covers the skin in red, scaly plaques - have joined hands to press the government to help subsidize their high treatment costs.
Affecting up to two percent of the population in Asia, or 125 million people worldwide, this disfiguring disease can take a higher physical and mental toll on patients than cancer and heart disease, past surveys have found.
"During all that time, I experienced great stress and prejudice. In the subway, people around me will stare at me and they think I may infect them," said Lai, a data analyst. "I can tell from their eyes even if they don't say anything."
In psoriasis patients, skin cells grow too fast and rapidly pile up, forming red and inflamed scales or plaques on the skin. While cell reproduction in normal skin takes 28 days, that process in psoriasis patients takes only four days.
The exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown although experts believe it is linked to the immune system where a class of fighter cells attack the body's own healthy skin cells by mistake. They cite a combination of risk factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Dermatologist Yeung Chi-keung said first-line treatments such as creams, exposure to ultraviolet light and oral drugs tend not to work for about 10 percent of patients, who will then require second-line drugs, which are injected.
These injectable drugs now cost an average of HK$10,000 (US$1,282) a month and getting on Hong Kong's general list will mean patients need only pay a nominal administrative fee of $10.
"In the last month, we (dermatologists in Hong Kong) proposed to the government to consider subsidizing these drugs," said Yeung, who is honorary clinical associate professor of dermatology at the University of Hong Kong's department of medicine.
Link:
Psoriasis patients look to Hong Kong government for help - and hope
- What is Psoriasis? (Part 1 of 3) | HealthiNation - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Psoriasis (Understanding Disease: Dermatology) - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- I'm Just Like You - Kids and Psoriasis - 2011 Trailer - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Psoriasis And Me - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Psoriasis?..... - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Natural Treatment For Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- psoriasis / eczema diet help skin care advice [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- plaque psoriasis picture m3b - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Restless Legs, Arthritis, and Psoriasis Gone Going Gluten Free - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Vitamin D can Cure Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Reversing Psoriasis With Green Smoothies - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Effectively Treat Psoriasis [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Scalp Treatment for Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Scalp Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- How To Treat Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Global Psoriasis Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012 Update [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2012]
- Press Release [Last Updated On: September 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 19th, 2012]
- $1.8 million grant supports investigation of psoriasis link to cardiovascular disease [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- $1.8M Grant Supports Investigation of Psoriasis Link to CVD [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Kiwi Company Provides Scalp Relief For Coeliac Community [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2012]
- Community News: Sept. 28 paper [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2012]
- Novartis Psoriasis Drug Shows Promising Results [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2012]
- Novartis data show AIN457 significantly reduced signs and symptoms in patients with hard-to-treat moderate-to-severe ... [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2012]
- International Study Highlights Need to Support Patients With Psoriasis Suffering Feelings of Isolation, Stigmatisation ... [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Psoriasis (Event Driven) [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Stiefel receives US FDA approval of Sorilux™ Foam, 0.005% for topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2012] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2012]
- Many options for psoriasis treatments [Last Updated On: October 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 1st, 2012]
- Study: Psoriasis patients more prone to diabetes [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2012]
- Novartis Progresses with AIN457 [Last Updated On: October 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 2nd, 2012]
- Gum disease linked to psoriasis: study [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Gum disease linked to psoriasis: Taiwanese study [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Study: People with gum disease 54% more likely to develop psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2012]
- Large menu of treatments for psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Free For Life Guide for Natural Psoriasis Treatment Now Available [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2012]
- Interim Analysis Supports Continuation of Can-Fite's Phase 2/3 Psoriasis Clinical Study with CF101 [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Key Findings from Treatment Algorithms: Psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 10th, 2012]
- Research and Markets: Psoriasis - Thought Leader Panel 2012 - A Summary of Persepectives from 6 Key Opinion Leaders [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2012]
- People with severe psoriasis nearly twice at risk for diabetes [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Idera Pharmaceuticals Announces Completion of Patient Enrollment in Phase 2 Trial of IMO-3100 in Patients with Psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2012]
- Psoriasis nearly doubles diabetes risk [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Rise in number of Pakistanis suffering from psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Remedies Book Teaches How to Get Rid of Psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Patients Twice As Likely To Develop Diabetes [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2012]
- Idera Pharma: Itching For Touch Up... [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2012]
- Psoriasis Mandate Results Released to Mark World Psoriasis Day [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Care Failing Patients [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- UK Survey Calls for Further Education to Help Eliminate Common Misconceptions About Psoriasis [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- International Federation of Psoriasis Associations: Put Psoriasis on the Agenda Now! [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Analysis links psoriasis, diabetes [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis isn't skin deep [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Lake Consumer Products Announces Innovative New MG217® Psoriasis Treatment Cream that's Unlike Anything Else on the ... [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis and Heart Disease: It's More Than Skin Deep - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- I'm back - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Purifying Lotion - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Dr stephen ferguson ND PhD psoriasis cured - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- NATURES ANTIBIOTIC - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- DIY Face Scrub Natural [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Free For Life E-book... - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Buy: Psoriasis Free For Life Ebook - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Ahava Liquid Salt review by Paola Bassanese Energya Ltd - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Free For Life Ebook - Download - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Free For Life Ebook - Web Link - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Vampire Transformation! - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Evans Dermatology Evans GA - Video [Last Updated On: October 31st, 2012] [Originally Added On: October 31st, 2012]
- Psoriasis Treatment Discovery Could Cure Psoriasis New Book Claims [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- My life with Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Johns Creek Dermatology and Family Medicine Practice Profile - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Radio Psoriasis 2 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Joel Schlessinger MD Visits the Avene Hydrotherapy Center - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Radio Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Skin Salvation and Psoriasis - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Can Psoriasis Treatment Cause Hair Lost? - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Healed from Multiple Sclerosis and psoriasis! RELOAD from thedurianKing - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Psoriasis Natural Treatment - Psoriasis Cure - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- psoriasis getting cure in acupuncture-indian accu touch - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Psoriasis Interview 18010154 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Psoriasis does not spread by touch - Skin experts - Tv9 - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Psoriasis presentation - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]
- Home Remedies for Scalp Psoriasis - Cure Psoriasis without Medication - Video [Last Updated On: November 2nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: November 2nd, 2012]