Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder that causes the skin to reproduce at a rapid rate, resulting in red, flaky, inflamed skin that is both itchy and sore.

It's a chronic skin disease that affects over 100,000 people in Ireland and while not curable, it can be managed via a range of different treatments.

Often misunderstood, psoriasis is frequently mistaken for an allergic rash. To avoid upsetting a psoriasis sufferer, here are a few things that it might be wiser not to say!

1. You cannot know how itchy I am, it’s unbearable!

Funnily enough … I’m guessing that I do know and chances are it doesn’t even compare.

2. My aunt/sister/friend has psoriasis and she says that aloe vera soap will definitely cure it.

If that were the case, there would be a lot of dermatologists out of business.

3. Oh, I get a touch of psoriasis occasionally if it’s very cold.

No, you have dry skin, not psoriasis.

4. It’s obviously an allergic reaction to gluten/dairy/red meat.

It’s an autoimmune disease – not as simple as giving up a particular food.

5. Ah, it will sort itself out. You’ll probably grow out of it.

Unlikely at this stage (age) and what do you suggest I do in the meantime?

6. You need to swim in the sea. Sea salt is a known cure.

No, it’s not and do you realize how much that would sting my skin?

7. Is it contagious?

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Helen Hanrahan, blogger The Flaky Fashionista and Dr Brian Kirby, consultant dermatologist St Vincent's joined Pat in studio to discuss psoriasis.

Read Helen's blog at The Flaky Fashionista.