Patient perceptions of clear/almost clear skin in moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: results of the Clear About Psoriasis worldwide survey. (31st July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Armstrong, A.; Jarvis, S.; Boehncke, W.‐H.; Rajagopalan, M.; Fernández‐Peñas, P.; Romiti, R.; Bewley, A.; Vaid, B.; Huneault, L.; Fox, T.; Sodha, M.; Warren, R.B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Volume 32:Number 12(2018)
• Page Start: 2200
• Page End: 2207
• Publication Date: 2018-07-31
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/jdv.15065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0926-9959

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Therapeutic advances have made the achievement of clear/almost clear skin possible for many patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. Objective: To determine patient perceptions of the impact of psoriasis and of attaining clear/almost clear skin. Methods: Global survey of patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis. Results: A total of 8338 patients from 31 countries participated. The majority (57%) had not achieved self‐assessed clear/almost clear skin with their current therapy, and 56% of those who had not met this goal believed it would be impossible to do so. Among the patients who had clear/almost clear skin, 73% had not initiated their current treatment until >1 year after psoriasis diagnosis, and 28% had to wait >5 years. Eighty‐four percent of all respondents experienced discrimination and/or humiliation due to psoriasis, and many reported negative effects on work, intimate relationships, sleep and mental health. Patients without clear/almost clear skin reported that such achievement would open new possibilities, such as swimming (58%), a wider choice of clothing (40%), and meeting new people (26%). A limitation of this study, as with any survey‐based research, is that selection and recall bias may have been present. Additionally, respondent definitions of clear/almost clear skin were subjective and may have varied. Conclusion: Despite the importance of clear/almost clear skin to psoriasis patients, most are still not achieving it, and many are unaware it is possible.