Uniting Hope and Innovation: The IFPA Forum in Asia 2023 and Its Global Significance for Psoriatic Patients

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The second International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) Forum in Asia 2023 took place in Singapore beginning of July on the margins of the World Congress of Dermatology. This IFPA Forum was focused on the unmet needs of people living with psoriatic disease in Asia and their solutions. EUROPSO was proudly represented by our President, Jan Koren, two of our Board members, Jaime Melancia from Portugal and Tina Koukopoulou from Greece, along with other individual members.

The Forum was set from the beginning to become a landmark event, bringing together psoriatic patients, medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers from around the world. This biennial gathering, hosted in Asia for the first time, promises to create a platform for shared knowledge, collaboration, and empowerment for the psoriatic patient community. With a focus on hope and innovation, the IFPA Forum 2023 holds immense importance for shaping the future of psoriasis treatment and advocacy worldwide.

Bringing Psoriatic Patients Together

The IFPA Forum serves as a beacon of unity, uniting psoriatic patients from diverse backgrounds and cultures. By fostering a sense of community, attendees find solace in knowing they are not alone in their journey with psoriasis. Patients exchange personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs, while gaining inspiration and motivation to face the condition head-on. To access the IFPA Forum 2023 Briefing Book please click here.

Access to Cutting-Edge Research

One of the central pillars of the IFPA Forum in Asia 2023 is its commitment to disseminating the latest advancements in psoriasis research. Leading dermatologists, researchers, and medical experts present their findings and share insights into emerging treatments and therapies. This invaluable knowledge exchange empowers patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options and provides hope for those seeking relief from the burdens of psoriasis.

Advocacy for Psoriasis Awareness

Beyond its role as a knowledge-sharing platform, the IFPA Forum champions the cause of raising awareness about psoriasis on a global scale. Through symposiums and workshops, participants delve into the various challenges faced by psoriatic patients, including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare. Armed with newfound knowledge and perspectives, attendees return to their home countries empowered to advocate for improved patient rights and social acceptance.

Pioneering Psoriasis Treatment and Care

The IFPA Forum 2023 fosters a collaborative environment that encourages cross-border cooperation among healthcare professionals and industry stakeholders. This collaborative approach fuels advancements in psoriasis treatment, facilitating the development of novel therapies and patient-centric care models. By embracing a collective commitment to innovation, participants contribute to a brighter future for psoriatic patients worldwide.

Global Impact and Outreach

As Asia takes center stage for the IFPA Forum, its global impact cannot be underestimated. Asia, with its vast population and diverse healthcare systems, presents unique opportunities and challenges in managing psoriasis. By hosting the Forum in Asia, the IFPA expands its reach to regions that may have been underrepresented in previous gatherings, thereby promoting global inclusivity and knowledge sharing.

„The IFPA Forum in Asia 2023 stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and progress for the psoriatic patient community worldwide“ said Jan Koren, EUROPSO President.

By creating an inclusive and collaborative space, this groundbreaking event strives to leave a lasting impact on research, treatment, and advocacy efforts for psoriasis. As patients, healthcare professionals, and advocates come together, they embody the spirit of solidarity, determined to reshape the landscape of psoriasis care and awareness on a global scale.

„The IFPA Forum 2023 is not just an event; it is a catalyst for positive change, forging a path towards a brighter future for all those affected by psoriasis“ concluded Koren.

Featured image credit: IFPA, Twitter

Do You Have Psoriasis? Are You Thinking About Planning a Family? Talk to Your Dermatologist!

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Family planning involves preparing for or preventing having children. This means thinking about birth control, fertility and pregnancy. It is important for all women, whether you want a family, do not want a family, or are not sure. As pregnancies are not always planned,1 it is good to know the right information, even if you do not want a family.

Family planning is important for women of childbearing age, particularly for those with psoriasis.1 You may have questions about how your psoriasis could affect your family planning. This could include any impact on your fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Some women feel they have to choose between pregnancy and taking their psoriasis treatment – they might even stop treatment without speaking with their dermatologist (skin specialist).2 But you do not necessarily need to choose! There are treatments suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding that can help you control your psoriasis.1,3

Pregnancy is possible in psoriasis!

Psoriasis presents as inflammation of the skin.1,4 Controlling this inflammation is important before and during pregnancy, as it can lead to better outcomes for you and your baby.1,3 Some treatments can transfer to your baby,1 so it is important to understand which treatments are less likely to transfer to your baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding.  

If needed, your dermatologist can help you choose a treatment that is pregnancy-compatible.1,2 It is important to talk to your dermatologist about this early, so they can give you all the information you need to understand the available treatments. Do not worry if you are unsure about your plans for a family, or if your plans change. It is still important to keep talking to your doctor about any possible changes.

Your dermatologist can help you select a treatment that will treat you and not your baby

Experts have written guidelines to help dermatologists give you advice about your psoriasis treatment. These guidelines consider the evidence for treatment use before, during and after pregnancy. They are written for doctors, but they are available to the public if you want to know more.

Together, you and your dermatologist can talk about the best treatment option for you, as well as your fears or concerns around your special journey. Together, you can make a shared decision on the most suitable plan for you and your baby.5

Key points to remember:

References

  1. Gottlieb AB, Ryan C, Murase JE. Clinical Considerations for the Management of Psoriasis in Women. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2019;5(3):141–150.
  2. De Simone C, Calabrese L, Balato A, Cannavò SP, Dattola A, Esposito M et al. Psoriasis and its management in women of childbearing age: tools to increase awareness in dermatologists and patients. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2020;155(4):434–440.
  3. Allen KD, Kiefer MK, Butnariu M, Afzali A. Pregnant Women With Immune Mediated Inflammatory Diseases Who Discontinue Biologics Have Higher Rates of Disease Flare. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2022;306(6):1929–1937.
  4. Lam M, Steen J, Lu JD and Vender R. The incidence and prevalence of uveitis in psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cutan Med Surg. 2020;24(6):601–607.
  5. Morrison T, Johnson J, Baghoomian W, Hamilton A, Simpson E, Greiling T et al. Shared Decision-Making in Dermatology: A Scoping Review. JAMA Dermatol.
    2021;157(3):330–337. 

This article was developed and funded by UCB.

Date of preparation: July 2023

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