(NC)—Many of the approximately one million Canadians living with psoriasis may be faced with physical or emotional challenges as they struggle with public misperceptions and stigmas of this painful, chronic immune disorder that affects the skin.
Published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (JCMS), a survey of Canadians with psoriasis called pSoriasis Knowledge IN Canada (SKIN), reveals that the debilitating skin condition presents a substantial problem for them in their daily lives.
The SKIN survey included questions about burden of illness, and revealed that two-thirds (66 per cent) of respondents agreed with the statement that psoriasis ranks among the top two illnesses in terms of its impact on quality of life out of ten of the worst diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
“Psoriasis can have such a significant negative impact on people’s lives – not just physically, but also emotionally and socially. Previous studies show that people with psoriasis report a reduction in physical and mental functioning comparable to that seen in cancer, heart disease and depression,” says Dr. Charles Lynde, SKIN co-author and dermatologist. “SKIN reinforces the need for a greater recognition of the burden of illness this disease carries, as well as more effective treatment and management.”
It’s important for patients with psoriasis symptoms to consult a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. Treatments for psoriasis include topical therapies, phototherapy and systemic therapies taken by pill or injection. Newer biological therapies work on the body’s immune system, treat psoriasis symptoms differently than other medications, and are available to treat moderate to severe forms of the disease.
More information about psoriasis and treatment options is available online at www.psoriasisconnections.ca.
(NC)—Many of the approximately one million Canadians living with psoriasis may be faced with physical or emotional challenges as they struggle with public misperceptions and stigmas of this painful, chronic immune disorder that affects the skin.
Published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (JCMS), a survey of Canadians with psoriasis called pSoriasis Knowledge IN Canada (SKIN), reveals that the debilitating skin condition presents a substantial problem for them in their daily lives.
The SKIN survey included questions about burden of illness, and revealed that two-thirds (66 per cent) of respondents agreed with the statement that psoriasis ranks among the top two illnesses in terms of its impact on quality of life out of ten of the worst diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.
“Psoriasis can have such a significant negative impact on people’s lives – not just physically, but also emotionally and socially. Previous studies show that people with psoriasis report a reduction in physical and mental functioning comparable to that seen in cancer, heart disease and depression,” says Dr. Charles Lynde, SKIN co-author and dermatologist. “SKIN reinforces the need for a greater recognition of the burden of illness this disease carries, as well as more effective treatment and management.”
It’s important for patients with psoriasis symptoms to consult a dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. Treatments for psoriasis include topical therapies, phototherapy and systemic therapies taken by pill or injection. Newer biological therapies work on the body’s immune system, treat psoriasis symptoms differently than other medications, and are available to treat moderate to severe forms of the disease.
More information about psoriasis and treatment options is available online at www.psoriasisconnections.ca.
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August 31st, 2009