THE Westmead Association will hold a community forum at Westmead Hospital to support World Psoriasis Day on November 1.
The condition affects the skin and occurs when the immune system mistakes skin cells as a pathogen — or germ — sending out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells.
A panel of experts will discuss the myths and how to manage the disease, the connection between psoriasis and joints and cardiovascular risk.
Dermatologist at Westmead Hospital, Pablo Fernandez-Penas, said plaque psoriasis could occur on the skin of elbows, knees, scalp, palms and soles of the feet.
About 3 per cent of Australians have the lifelong condition.
"Although not contagious, people may have very strong emotional reactions because of the misunderstanding surrounding the disease," associate professor Fernandez-Penas said.
"Most people are able to manage their condition with treatments, however some patients may require further medical assistance."
Details: 6pm-8.30pm, Thursday, November 1, at the Education Block at Westmead Hospital, corner of Hawkesbury and Darcy roads, Westmead.