Psoriasis and discrimination, what to do?

We are at your side, through our advices and sharing experiences for better deal with psoriasis.

The France Psoriasis association has published the results of a survey carried out in the world of work. This survey, PsoPRO, highlights the impact of psoriasis on active people in their professional environment.

In France, 3 million people suffer from psoriasis. 64% have already experienced discrimination in their lives because of psoriasis. In the professional world, the figure is higher. In fact, 70% of people questioned during the PsoPRO survey say they have already experienced a form of discrimination. This discrimination is directly or indirectly linked to psoriasis.

In these times when there is a lot of talk about sexual harassment, languages are being spoken. Hashtags like #balancetonporc or #metoo appeared. Here, we too highlight another type of harassment.

Psoriasis, discrimination at work

PsoPRO survey: impact of psoriasis in the professional environment

The results of the PsoPRO survey are unfortunately not really positive. They are not even encouraging. The comparison between an active victim of moderate to severe skin psoriasis and an active person without psoriasis reveals a significant gap. However, let's make a caveat. People with mild psoriasis gave responses similar to those without psoriasis.

70% of workers with moderate to severe psoriasis say they have already been teased in the workplace. They also mention derogatory and demeaning remarks related to the illness and their physical appearance(1). In addition, 65% have been victims of suspicion regarding their personal hygiene and lifestyle(2). These behaviors are also repeated during practicing a sport (while sport is essential to help reduce stress. An hour of sport can be equivalent to a session of meditation).

Psoriasis, 38% of workers suffering from moderate to severe form say they have already experienced a setback in their career. Dismissal or non-renewal of contract was noted by 31% of them. (3) More than one in two active psoriatic patients have given up. In this case, they estimate that they will progress more slowly in their career compared to their non-sick colleagues. A resignation reinforced by the certainty that they deserve less responsibility for 31% because of psoriasis.

Psoriasis and discrimination: stigma in the professional environment

“It is urgent to end the stigma against these collaborators. Even when they are otherwise endowed with a great professional conscience. Indeed, it is time for the outlook on this disease to change. Affected people will thus be able to practice their profession with peace of mind. » This is what Roberte Aubert, President of France Psoriasis, and Yannick Sabatin, General Director of the Celgene France Laboratory, declare. (4)

Any form of discrimination is unhealthy. Whether due to a disease such as psoriasis or in relation to a person suffering fromobesity, or even facing a tattoo or a woman pregnant. Note also that a correlation between obesity and psoriasis was established. This discrimination can have serious repercussions on alcohol consumption. The impact can also concern the way of daily clothing.

PsoPRO

If you would like to find out more about the results of the PsoPRO survey, you can go to the website of the France Psoriasis association. It also addresses absenteeism and professional conscience. Another subject frequently mentioned: the professional development of people with psoriasis in relation to others. Cases of rheumatological psoriasis are also considered.

A campaign against discrimination linked to psoriasis

Campaign slogan: “Living better with, living better together”

This is the slogan of the new campaign by the French association against psoriasis for World Psoriasis Day. This day takes place at the end of October every year. In addition to the PsoPRO survey, the association is mobilizing. She sheds light on the disease again too little known to the general public. Precisely, it deals with discrimination. Because if discrimination exists within the professional sphere, it is obviously also the case in the private sphere. On the street, public places, everywhere, including on the beach.

In a campaign video, France Psoriasis begins by having several people read the word psoriasis. At this point, things are already complicated. Pronunciation is laborious. His explanation as well. To the question “What does this word make you think of?” » here is an anthology of answers, each as off-topic as the other:

So, I don't even know what that means.
It reminds me of something exotic.
It makes me think of art, literature... Greek.
a Russian or Polish word?
a plant ?
Is it a bank?
Wouldn't that be a Pokemon?
Does this suggest something sexual?
Is it an STD? (5)

While some of these responses may make you smile, others may hurt or frighten people affected by psoriasis because a person's lack of knowledge often turns into disgust or fear when faced with the patient.

Changing mentalities to limit discrimination regarding psoriasis

Studies prove that psoriasis is not at all a disease known to the general public. And, while the naming may be known, explaining it is another story. It is possible to minimize and think that it is only dry skin, not an illness and therefore not understand the real suffering of patients; we can be afraid of it since ignorance can lead to fear; some even go so far as to reject because if ignorance leads to fear, it also often leads to the rejection of others. Clearly, when it comes to psoriasis, there are many preconceived ideas that must be combatted in order to live better everyday.

Psoriasis and discrimination: let’s dare

You may find psoriasis unaesthetic, ugly, it's your thought and freedom of thought is a crucial thing. However, there is no point in telling the person concerned or making them feel it. The illness is already quite difficult for her to live with because every day she has to live with this look from others and these sometimes unpleasant remarks from others and she has to get up every morning with itching which has also perhaps prevented her of sleeping. Better living together means respecting each other and others.

Psoriasis needs visibilite. We need to communicate more about the disease, so that it is known and recognized and so that patients can live better with it. A disparaging look is sometimes an ignorant look, to us, health professionals. And it’s up to you, people with psoriasis, to educate yourself and change your outlook.

As saying Michel Cymès :

“Finally, the mockery must stop. Because stupidity is like psoriasis: it hurts, and it always ends up being visible. »