Nationwide survey of people living with psoriasis

A nationwide online survey of people living with psoriasis in Ireland is now open. People living with psoriasis in every county in Ireland are being asked to take 20 minutes to tell their story by responding to a new research survey call, launched by the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF) earlier this year.

According to the ISF, the aim of this ‘first in kind’ landmark national survey is to fill in the significant gaps in the understanding of the real-life experiences and impact of living with psoriasis.

“Whether you have mild, moderate, or severe psoriasis, this unique piece of Irish research is a great opportunity to have your voice heard,” Ms Caroline Irwin, patient advocate and founding ISF board member, said.

“The perspective of every individual is important to us. The insights gathered in this survey will be hugely valuable, helping to inform and guide the provision of support and services for those living with this chronic skin condition into the future,” said Prof Anne-Marie Tobin, Vice-Chair of the ISF and Consultant Dermatologist, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin.

“I’m encouraging as many people as possible to participate in this landmark Irish survey and to take the opportunity to consider if/how psoriasis affects your life. Formal surveys such as this can play a key role in helping us to understand how best to respond to patient’s needs,” added Prof Brian Kirby, Consultant Dermatologist, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin.

“In order for us to meet the needs of psoriasis patients, we need good quality data on the scale and impact of psoriasis in Ireland,” explained Mr Ken McKenzie, Chairperson, ISF. “This survey has been carefully put together with expert clinical input to ensure we have the evidence-base to do the best for those with psoriasis in Ireland. The hallmarks of our work here in the Irish Skin Foundation are to draw on clinical expertise and to build a sound evidence-base on skin conditions in Ireland and the psoriasis survey reflects these emphases.”

The survey is an independently-funded advocacy initiative of the ISF, confirmed Chief Executive Officer Mr David McMahon. The information gathered will help to inform the Foundation’s work to support people living with psoriasis, which affects at least 73,000 people living in Ireland, he explained. He also thanked board members, past and present, and the many others who have assisted with this project to date. 

Psoriasis supports for your patients

The ISF has free information booklets and educational resources including expert videos on its website on psoriasis and its dermatology nurses provide free, confidential specialist guidance through a phone line call-back service to people struggling to manage skin conditions including psoriasis. See www.irishskin.ie/psoriasis 

Ethical approval for this study was granted by the St James’s/Tallaght University Hospital Joint Research Ethics committee.

World Psoriasis Day 2025 takes place on 29 October.