Psoriasis is a significant problem in daily life, survey shows
PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Approximately three-quarters of people living with psoriasis say the disease is a significant problem in daily life, according to a National Psoriasis Foundation 2008 survey released today.
The survey of 426 individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis also revealed that their disease influences their daily lives, shapes their feelings about themselves and affects how they believe others perceive them.
"These results are critical to understanding the serious emotional, physical and mental impact psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can have on one's health," said Randy Beranek, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "This survey underscores the need to continue raising awareness about psoriatic diseases and ensure the public knows psoriasis isn't 'just a skin disease.' It's a serious disease that can have crippling effects."
Among the survey findings:
62% report significant itching and irritation.
61% believe their psoriasis leads others to stare.
57% find their psoriasis impacts their self esteem.
58% express significant feelings of embarrassment.
56% agree others think psoriasis is contagious.
52% avoid public swimming pools because of their disease.
Approximately two-thirds of the respondents have moderate to severe psoriasis, a disease of the immune system which causes red, scaly lesions that often crack and bleed. Almost half of the respondents (41 percent) have psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joints.
The National Psoriasis Foundation conducts surveys biannually to understand the experiences and opinions of people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and document the impact of these diseases. The Foundation also uses the data to educate legislators, medical professionals and the public about psoriatic diseases.
About Psoriasis Psoriasis is a noncontagious, genetic disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that can crack and bleed. It often affects the elbows, knees, scalp and torso but can appear anywhere on the body. As many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health. Ten to 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. Psoriasis can affect anyone at any age, including children. There is no cure yet for this lifelong disease.
About the National Psoriasis FoundationThe National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading patient-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for millions of Americans with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis and their families. The Psoriasis Foundation focuses on education, advocacy and research toward better treatments and a cure. For more information, please call the National Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.
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