More Than Skin Deep

Imagine the challenges of coping with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition that can cause thick, red skin and scaly patches. Pretty tough, right? Now imagine being a child with this condition who, like any kid, just wants to fit in.

I found myself thinking about how difficult that must be when reading a story recently on abcnews.com. The article cites a recent study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology which found people with psoriasis are less likely to react to expressions of disgust than people without the condition.

Many employees at Stiefel, a GSK company, have witnessed the impact skin disease can have on the emotional wellbeing of a child. Through our work with The Children's Skin Disease Foundation (CSDF), we interact with children every summer who have skin diseases that range from mild eczema to Epidermolysis Bullosa, a severe skin disorder that causes the skin to blister and can often leave children wheelchair bound. Stiefel has established a 5-year endowment with CSDF's Camp Wonder to help fund the California -based children's camp and each year we send volunteers to camp with the sole responsibility of ensuring the kids are playing and having fun. While we are proud to donate to this worthy charity, our giving is far outweighed by what we receive in return.

The children often tell us that their favorite part about camp is spending seven whole days free from the stares they regularly endure in the outside world. In moments like these at camp, Stiefel volunteers have the ability to see straight through to the hearts of some very special young people. We see campers, much like the psoriasis patients referenced above, who have found inner strength to rise above the curious stares brought on by their skin diseases. While their conditions have forced them to grow wise far beyond their youthful years, at camp they get to enjoy the simplicity of being a kid. They participate in activities that may be difficult in the outside world-like swimming, rock climbing, even wearing shorts. It is a privilege to be part of such an uplifting experience.  It reminds us why our work in dermatology is so important and it reminds us all to appreciate good health.