PsorCoach program gives hope to Psoriasis Patients

Psoriasis Philippines official launched its PsorCoach program last February 13, 2014. The program aims to aid psoriasis patients in understanding their condition and in acceptance of their situation. It also helps the patient to cope up with psoriasis in a holistic approach, improving the quality of their life.

PsorPhil President, Josef De Guzman shared his Psoriasis journey and what PsorCoach program is 

Though a non-contagious disorder, psoriasis patients suffer from depression caused by low self-esteem. People often find psoriasis to be overwhelming especially when their skin gets worse. Patients usually exhibit the following symptoms:
• The Red, inflamed itchy skin.
• The Silvery scales that seem to erupt for no reason.
• The Burning or bleeding that occurs around your joints.
• The Cracking, oozing and painful patches on your skin.

Dr. Lorna Frez, MD-FPDS (Medical Adviser Dermatologist) gave a detailed discussion of types of Psoriasis and treatment of its symptoms

The silvery scales that crack, ooze and start the maddening itching cycle over and over again. Sadly, there is no cure for Psoriasis.  Symptoms often go into remission, even without treatment, and then return.

Most individuals overlook the underlying cause of psoriasis--the actual immune system deficiency that causes these itchy patches to appear and scale over. It occurs when the immune system mistakes a normal skin cell for a pathogen, and sends out faulty signals that cause overproduction of new skin cells. These new skin cells move rapidly to the surface of the skin in days (rather than weeks) building up and forming thick patches called plaques. With a severe psoriasis, the skin becomes itchy and tender. The patches join together and cover large areas of skin, such as the entire back.

There are different types of psoriasis:

• Plaque Psoriasis - the most common form characterized by the inflamed patches of redness and silvery scales on your skin.

• Nail Psoriasis - which manifests in your fingernails or toenails and causes discomfort and discoloration.

• Scalp Psoriasis - where red, itchy areas appear on your head along with silvery-white scales.

• Guttate Psoriasis - which generally affects those younger than thirty and is often caused by a strep throat or upper respiratory infection. You'll notice small bumps on your trunk and abdomen that itch and scale over - though not as extreme as plaque psoriasis.

• Inverse Psoriasis - generally appearing around the breasts and groin area, this psoriasis is often caused by friction and is seen in people who are overweight. It is embarrassing and difficult to control the intense itching episodes in the worst possible places.

• Pustular Psoriasis - uncommon but still treatable, this version of psoriasis causes blisters that appear over already red and itchy skin.


Psoriasis may cause joints to become swollen, tender, and painful in some people. This psoriatic arthritis can affect the fingernails and toenails, causing the nails to pit, change color, and separate from the nail bed. Dead skin may build up under the nails.

Psoriasis can be managed according to Dr. Lorna Frez. There is no need to be afraid, humiliated or cast aside. Through PsorCoach program, patients will get to meet many others like him and get access to the best management for each of them with the help of trained and Board-certified dermatologists.

For more information on what the PsorCoach program has to offer or how to become a patient advocate, following Psoriasis Philippines on facebook

Psoriasis Philippines
Phone (02)478-9618 / Cellphone 0922-8297767
info@psorphil.org
www.psorphil.org