For this year's World Psoriasis Day, LEO Pharma is raising awareness on what it is like to live with psoriasis. Not only what is visible on the skin, but also the enormous social and emotional burden of the disease.

Here is what you need to know about psoriasis:

• Psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune skin disease with no cure
• Its cause remains unknown
• It is not contagious
• Characterized by patches of raised, red, flaky skin covered with silvery scales
• It can occur at any age but is most common among ages 50-69
• It affects men and woman equally, regardless of ethnic origin
• It is painful, and potentially disabling
• It may keep a person from engaging in an intimate relationship

Psoriasis does not just cause physical discomfort, the true burden of psoriasis is much bigger.

It is no secret that experiencing social stigma while in a vulnerable situation can have devastating effects on your well-being. Being met with fear, stares and negative comments on a daily basis can create feelings of shame and embarrassment and lead to isolation and a sense of exclusion.

These are terrifying numbers.

This needs to change, and at LEO Pharma we are ready to lead the way. We are passionate about empowering patients to feel included, valued and able to live life free of restraints from their condition. Raising awareness is the first step on the way to change.

Social stigma and misconception exist because of a lack of awareness. But unlike psoriasis itself, the stigma can be cured. Raising awareness of psoriasis and its effects on the physical, emotional and mental well-being can be a first step towards changing the perception of psoriasis.

Lack of awareness has daily consequences. It causes people with psoriasis to miss out. Miss out on a moment that may seem ordinary, but really is extraordinary when you have psoriasis. For example gaining the courage to go on a date despite a flare-up, getting a haircut or joining friends at a social event.

Make a change - get connected!

In addition to the pain, itching and bleeding caused by psoriasis, many affected people around the world experience social and work related stigma and discrimination.

Stigma together with physical and psychological comorbidities are the main factors impairing the life of people with psoriasis - on an acute and cumulative level.

Where do we go from here?

Together we can change society's view on psoriasis. World Psoriasis Day 2019 marks the beginning of this change. Let us all agree not to let any kind of skin condition get in the way of someone making and experiencing their own memorable moments. If we raise awareness, we can change the conversation - away from what is on the surface to the things that lie beneath it.

Let us change the view on psoriasis.

Help us by sharing our message of change with your friends and family using the hashtag:

#ChangeTheView