I WAS surprised by the report of the psoriasis sufferer who has been denied incapacity benefit (LET, August 24), as I fail to understand how he could ever have qualified for such benefit.

I have suffered from psoriasis for over 16 years (all my adult life) and at no time has the condition ever prevented me from working.

My condition would appear to be both much more acute and extensive than the sufferer in the report, certainly in comparison with the photograph, my rash extends from my scalp across my face, all over my body and down both arms and legs - there is no part of my body that is not affected. I can vouch that the rash and the associated skin peeling and flaking can, and does, cause great discomfort, but the rash itself doesn't cause pain or prevent me from walking.

It is true that there are some jobs I cannot do. I cannot work with food in any form, and sometimes the reaction from other people can be unpleasant.

I do, however, hold down a very well paid job in which I am in day-to-day contact with the public. I was suffering both from the psoriasis severely on my face, and with a linked form of rheumatoid arthritis when I attended the interview for my current position.

Name and address received.

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