Thanks for stopping by. If you’re here, chances are you’re affected by psoriasis; either because you yourself are living with the condition, or because you’re close to someone who is.

As you may know, psoriasis is a complex, long-term skin disease that’s linked to a number of potentially debilitating complications. In fact, studies show that people living with psoriasis are more likely to suffer from serious life-limiting comorbid conditions than the general population. Conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes,1 sleep disorders,2 depression and anxiety.3 Serious stuff.

Unfortunately, not everyone looks beyond a person’s skin to see what else is going on, and so some people with psoriasis face social stigma. There are also gaps in healthcare systems around the world,4 meaning the right care just isn’t always there to help people keep their condition in check.

But what can be done?

This year’s World Psoriasis Day falls on Monday 29th October, and LEO Pharma will be raising awareness of the seriousness of psoriatic disease with the launch of I’m more than my skin – a campaign that asks the world to look beyond superficial symptoms, to see the person behind their psoriasis.

On this page you’ll find three short videos about psoriasis, some interesting psoriasis fact cards and a collection of inspiring words from people who are living with – and triumphing over – psoriasis. You’re very welcome to use any and all of this material on your own social channels or directly with others to help them understand that psoriasis is more than skin deep. If you feel moved enough to share your own stories of psoriasis, please use #immorethanmyskin so we can help start a movement.

You see, if we all talk enough about the seriousness of psoriasis, we can help advocate for better treatment options and improved access to care for the 125 million5 individuals living with the condition today.

An overview: Psoriasis is a chronic and lifelong condition

Psoriasis overview

Comorbidities: Psoriasis and other diseases

Psoriasis Comorbidities

Beyond the skin: Psoriasis is more serious than you think

Psoriasis beyond the skin

These videos are super-short and packed with psoriasis facts that you – or people you know – may find surprising… Take a look and share away.
www.youtube.com/leopharmaglobal

Real psoriasis stories

“The skin patches and pain became part of my routine. One of my coping mechanisms is to always stay positive. I understood that I had to get through this in the best way and try not to let myself down. Being positive is the best way… I don’t have a body that can withstand many physical pressures, but it has no limits whatsoever for dreams.”

Rayanne, 26, Brazil

“I’ve always had the attitude that, if you’re going to judge me for having psoriasis, then you’re not the person I want in my life, even if was completely cured. In my early years of dancing, I had a lot of partners refusing to dance with me because they didn’t want to touch me. But that motivated me – I wanted to be so good that everyone would dance with me, no matter what my skin looked like.”

Melissa, 26, USA

“In some ways, I’ve turned things around so that it’s a blessing – psoriasis has made me slow my life down a bit. Psoriasis is just something that you have to carry around with you for the rest of your life. You need to learn to love it and work with and around it. Just be who you are, because everyone else is already taken. That’s my advice for anyone out there living with psoriasis.”

Maria, 47, Denmark

“Before I got involved with NPF (National Psoriasis Foundation), my confidence level was very low. I could barely stand to look at myself. Now, I’m more confident than ever. I feel unstoppable and unlimited, and I believe I can do anything. I’m optimistic about the future too…”

Vickie, 48, USA

If you are inspired by these stories, why not share your own with your friends and followers using #immorethanmyskin

Sharing is caring

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I’m More Than My Skin is a campaign from LEO Pharma. By offering care solutions to patients in more than 100 countries globally, LEO Pharma supports people in managing their skin conditions.

For more information, visit www.leo-pharma.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

The LEO wordmark and the LEO logo are registered trademarks of LEO Pharma A/S. © September 2018 LEO Pharma A/S
References
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  1. European Association for the Study of Obesity. About obesity.
    Available at: http://easo.org/media-portal/obesity-facts-figures/about-obesity/ (Accessed 2018).
  2. Azfar RS et al. Increased risk of diabetes mellitus and likelihood of receiving diabetes mellitus treatment in patients with psoriasis.
    Arch Dermatol 2012;148(9):995–1000.
  3. Dalgard FJ et al. The psychological burden of skin diseases: a cross-sectional multicentre study among dermatological out-patients in 13 European countries. J Invest Dermatol 2015;135(4):984–991.
  4. World Health Organization (WHO). Global Report on Psoriasis.
    Available at: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/204417/1/9789241565189_eng.pdf (Accessed 2018).
  5. The International Federation of Psoriasis Associations.
    Available at https://ifpa-pso.com/ (Accessed July 2018).