Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) — Paolo Bediones reveals his battle against psoriasis via a social media post and encourages people to learn more about the disorder.
“I have a secret,” Bediones began in a Facebook post published on July 5.
Bediones said he has been battling psoriasis for more than half his life and was ashamed of it until he learned that there were many others who suffered from the skin disorder,
“Some weren’t good at concealing it, while some, no matter what they do, could not hide it.”
Bediones stressed that while psoriasis is “not pretty” as it is characterized by “incessant itching and scratching, occasional bleeding and scabbing, and reddening of the skin and flaking, it is not contagious.”
He adds there are around 2 million Filipinos who suffer from the disorder.
“Everyday we have to mentally prepare ourselves before we go out into the world. Each one of us insecure, knowing someone will notice the discolored patch of skin or the white flakes. Knowing someone would like to ask about it, but feel uncomfortable doing so.”
Bediones says if asked, people afflicted with psoriasis would gladly talk about it. He adds people should not hesitate to seek more information about the disorder, and to “please see a specialist and learn about the various forms of treatment that exists.”
Bediones closed his post saying, “If you know anyone with psoriasis, hug them. If you see me on the street, hug me.”
According to the Mayo Clinic – a U.S.-based nonprofit organization committed to medical practice, education, and research – psoriasis “is a common skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells.”
It says there is no cure for the disorder, practices such as “moisturizing, quitting smoking and managing stress, may help.”
The Mayo Clinic adds topical and oral treatments may also be done to treat psoriasis.
An annual “World Psoriasis Day” is held at the end of October. According to the Philippine Dermatological Society, the event “aims to raise awareness, increase understanding, improve access to treatment and build unity among the psoriasis community around the world.”
