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