Hairdressers help ease anxiety about psoriasis

HAIRDRESSERS in Co Galway are taking part in a campaign aimed at easing the anxiety suffered by people with scalp psoriasis. Salons are helping to distribute an educational booklet on the condition - endorsed by the Irish Hairdressers Federation and the Psoriasis Association of Ireland - through all member salons across the country. â€ËœHeads Up!' wants to improve the understanding of the skin condition among the general public and those living with psoriasis. It will remind staff and customers of the importance of recognising the condition and encouraging sufferers to seek help and support. Top hair stylist Eoin Wright has contributed to the content of the Heads Up booklet including advice on styling hints and tips. 'As a hair stylist I have encountered this condition in my clients. Knowing that over 60 per cent of men and women with psoriasis have experienced symptoms of depression, motivated me to want to educate people and help remove the stigma attached to those who live with the condition. 'Hairdressers have a potentially important educational role to play in terms of this problem. They are likely to recognise any scalp problems a customer may have and are well placed to reach out to offer support and advice. Caroline Irwin, Chairperson of the Psoriasis Association of Ireland,' explained that stress is a common trigger of psoriasis. 'This can be a double-edged sword for many individuals with psoriasis - a person may find that stress aggravates their condition and having psoriasis causes them to get stressed. 'A vicious cycle can arise in which a sufferer becomes stressed about going to the hair salon due to scalp psoriasis, which in turn causes the condition to flare up, which causes even more stress and emotional turbulence for an individual.' 'This campaign seeks to end this cycle for people with the condition and to educate hairdressers and customers about scalp psoriasis. This campaign removes another problem area for people with the condition, making a sufferer's life a little more bearable and a little better,' she said. For more information on psoriasis and the treatment options available visit www.mypsoriasis.ie.