UK Survey Calls for Further Education to Help Eliminate Common Misconceptions About Psoriasis

LONDON, October 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects more than 125 million people around the globe.[1],[2] People living with psoriasis experience flare-ups of sore and itchy skin,[1],[3] but the psychological effects of psoriasis can have an even greater impact on their everyday lives.[4]-[6]

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A recent survey conducted amongst 1,036 members of the UK general public, highlighted that psoriasis is understood to have a large psychological impact, with 82% agreeing that it could have huge impact on quality of life. However, nearly one third still mistook psoriasis for a contagious condition. Such common misconceptions and a lack of empathy can add greatly to the psychological burden of the disease.[7]

The Burden of Psoriasis patient research is one of the largest international studies to date investigating the impact that psoriasis has on people's lives. Patients involved in the qualitative stage of the study reported reactions of disgust and fear in response to their psoriasis, and their distress at having to cope with unnecessary comments, questions and staring.[8]

"There is still a huge lack of understanding about psoriasis in theUK," commented Dr Anthony Bewley, Whipps Cross University Hospital & Barts & the London NHS Trust, and Burden of Psoriasis patient research investigator. "We need to educate the general public about the psychological impact of the disease as they can play such an important role in helping to reduce the stigma associated with psoriasis."

Despite the recognition of the potential impact on quality of life, nearly 80% of people surveyed agreed that psoriasis is still a greatly misunderstood condition and 78% agreed that society has an important role to play in reducing stigma.

How does psoriasis impact on quality of life?

Further analyses of the findings from the quantitative stage of Burden of Psoriasis patient research were presented at the 21st EADV Congress in Prague, Czech Republic last month. The results showed that feelings of restriction, isolation, stigmatisation and anxiety are all associated with a high impact of psoriasis on patients' quality of life; and are actually more important than diagnosed symptom severity.[6]

Having learnt more about the everyday impact of psoriasis by reading a patient diary, over half of people questioned in the survey agreed that if they suffered from psoriasis they would likely feel depressed (56%) or anxious about meeting new people (58%).

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UK Survey Calls for Further Education to Help Eliminate Common Misconceptions About Psoriasis