The Psoriasis Association of Malta was the brainchild of leading dermatologist Dr. Joe Pace. In January 1994 he invited many of his patients who had this condition, to get together to work out how the association was to function.peer-reviewe

Camilleri, Josette

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Issue 7 Summer 2003    thechronic✱ill         21Since then we have met severaltimes.  Our meetings usually take theform of a talk by a qualified speakerfollowed by refreshments.  Sometimeswe have a  question and answer sessionwhich many members look forward to.We have been helped in this respect byDr. Joe Pace and Dr. Dino Vella Briffaseveral times.  Patients always find itThe PsoriasisAssociation of MaltaJosette Camilleri B.ScSecretary Psoriasis Association of MaltaThe Psoriasis Association of Malta was the brainchild ofleading dermatologist Dr. Joe Pace.  In January 1994 heinvited many of his patients who had this condition, to gettogether to work out how the association was to function.reassuring to have their queriesanswered by a qualified dermatologist.Being in a group seems to give themmore courage to ask questions theywould be afraid to ask otherwise.Except in a few extreme cases, whenit appears in conjunction with PsoriaticArthritis, Psoriasis is more of a socialand therefore psychological problemthan a medical one.  Even if thecondition is mild, the patient feelsuncomfortable when having to exposeimperfect skin to others.  Simpleactivities can sometimes turn intonightmares.   Problems arise athairdressers , dressmakers,  whenshopping for clothes, at the beach andespecially round swimming pools.  Forthis reason the association worked hardfor the first few years to create anawareness of this condition with radiotalks and television appearances ofmembers of the committee. Psychologically, meeting otherswho can understand what they’re goingthrough makes patients feel lessisolated.  That is why there is alwaystime at meetings for members todiscuss their problems and share theirexperiences.Since Psoriasis is,  to some extent,stress related, some of our meetingswere focused on stress reducingtechniques.  One interesting sessionwas on the benefits of Yoga exercises inthis respect.  Another highlighted theuse of aromatherapy.Another role of the association is tolet members know when new productsare available.  Pharmaceuticalcompanies approach us whensomething new appears on the marketand they are then invited to give apresentation about their product to ourmembers.  The most recent one washeld at the plush Hotel Intercontinentallast February on the occasion of theEuropean Academy of Dermatology andVenereology International SpringSymposium.  Members were able tolearn about the new preparations andwere given samples to try out.Anybody interested in obtainingmore information about the PsoriasisAssociation of Malta may contact meon tel: 21317338.

The Psoriasis Association of Malta

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The Psoriasis Association of Malta

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