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

UK Survey Calls for Further Education to Help Eliminate Common Misconceptions About Psoriasis PR Newswire LONDON, October 29, 2012 LONDON, October 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 80% of people surveyed recognised that psoriasis could have a huge psychological impact on quality of life However, nearly one third still wrongly believed psoriasis to be contagious, highlighting the vital need for education to reduce social stigma Following a brief education, over half of the respondents agreed they would react differently next time they saw someone with psoriasis symptoms [1],[ 2]Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects more than 125 million people around the globe. [1],[ 3]People living with psoriasis experience flare-ups of sore and itchy skin, but the psychological effects of psoriasis [4]-[6]can have an even greater impact on their everyday lives. [1],[ 2] 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 [7]can add greatly to the psychological burden of the disease. 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.