Eczema Clinic

Study shows major burden of psoriasis

[Posted: Thu 29/10/2009]

New research shows that psoriasis has a dramatic and lasting impact on people’s lives, potentially affecting their ability to pursue careers, educational opportunities and relationships.

The new research shows that more than 80% of people in Ireland who have psoriasis are embarrassed by their condition and almost 90% feel psoriasis has impacted on their confidence and self-esteem.

In 83% of cases, it also affected their mood or mental health. The research highlighted that 85% of Irish respondents felt that their psoriasis negatively impacted on their enjoyment of life.

Specifically, 66% cited a negative impact on their social life and relationships. The survey indicated a greater negative impact on quality of life for Irish people with psoriasis compared to the rest of Europe and beyond.

The results came from the 'Psoriasis Uncovered' survey, which captured information about the social and psychological effects of psoriasis in 325 Irish responses among more than 10,800 responses from 17 countries worldwide

Almost one-third of Irish respondents believed that their psoriasis stopped them from pursuing their desired career path or field and nearly 40% reported that psoriasis affected their behaviour at work.

Caroline Irwin, Chairperson of the Psoriasis Association of Ireland said, the results highlighted the huge impact that psoriasis, perceived erroneously by many to be a simple skin complaint, can have on a person’s quality of life.

"For the 100,000 people who have psoriasis in Ireland, there is often a stigma attached to the condition which impacts on many facets of daily life. We hope that this research will go some way to uncovering the often hidden impact of psoriasis and that, by understanding the social and psychological effects of psoriasis in Ireland and around the world, we can begin to address them.”

The survey results were launched by the Psoriasis Association of Ireland and the pharmacuetical company Abbott to mark World Psoriasis Day 2009, which is being held today, October 29.