03 May 2024
By Dr K Thiruchelvam
Guidelines to Empower Hairdressers in Support of Psoriatic Clients in Malaysia
Talking to their psoriatic clients need not be a painful exercise anymore for hairdressers and barbers following release of a set of ground-breaking guidelines prepared by the Psoriasis Association of Malaysia (PAM) specifically tailored for hairdressers and barbers. These guidelines –prepared under an IFPA funded project - serve as invaluable tools, facilitating empathetic and informed interactions with psoriatic clients while also providing essential insights into scalp psoriasis.
Endorsed by a diverse array of stakeholders, including the Malaysian Bumiputera Barbers Association (MBBA), Bumiputera Hairdressing Association Malaysia (BUHA), Malaysian Indian Hairdressing Salon Owners Association (MINDAS), and Malaysian Hairdressing Association (MHA), these guidelines mark a significant stride towards fostering a more inclusive and supportive salon environment.
At a recent workshop convened by PAM on March 9, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur, participants were enlightened on the pivotal role of hairdressers in uplifting the spirits of psoriatic individuals. Dr. Raoul Siebert, Deputy Director of Health Services, Department of Health, Federal Territory of Putrajaya, underscored this role, emphasizing that hairdressers serve as advocates for their clients' overall well-being. By acquainting themselves with the guidelines prepared by PAM, hairdressers will be better equipped to dismantle the stigma surrounding psoriasis and, instead, promote an environment marked by compassion and understanding.
According to Puan Siti Nurelinda Abu Bakar, President of BUHA, the release of these guidelines is timely as they help to forge a closer rapport between psoriatic clients and their hair-care professionals. She added that collaboration with bodies such as PAM can contribute towards fostering empathy, dispelling myths, and promoting a culture of learning among Malaysia's hairdressing community who can become partners in the journey towards psoriasis awareness and support.
Earlier, Dr. Moonyza Akmal, a consultant dermatologist at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, shed light on scalp psoriasis during a presentation at the workshop. Highlighting that approximately half of psoriasis patients develop scalp psoriasis, Dr. Moonyza debunked misconceptions by affirming that the condition is non-contagious and can be effectively managed with available treatments.
However, a sobering revelation emerged from a survey conducted during the workshop. Dr. K. Thiruchelvam, President of PAM, disclosed that less than 22% of surveyed hairdressers professed knowledge about scalp psoriasis. Furthermore, a mere 15% had received formal training on psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis. These findings underscore the urgent need for ongoing educational initiatives, spearheaded by organizations such as PAM, the Dermatological Society of Malaysia (PDM), and various hairdressing associations, to bolster hairdressers' understanding of scalp psoriasis.
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