Mads Kirchheiner Rasmussen, Martin Enger, Anna-Karin Dahlborn, Siri Juvik, Laura Fagerhed, Rikke Dodge, Charlotta Enerbäck
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3048

Psoriasis is a stigmatizing chronic skin condition in which impairment of quality of life is associated with visibility of skin lesions, disease activity and severity. The ultimate goal of treatment is complete clearance of skin symptoms. The worldwide “Clear About Psoriasis” survey explored patients’ perspectives on clear/almost clear skin and the impact of psoriasis on daily life. We report here results from the Nordic countries (n = 609). Of respondents, 44% achieved clear/almost clear skin with their current treatment, of which 71% were comfortable discussing this expectation with their physician, compared with only 46% of patients who had not achieved clear/almost clear skin. Of patients who achieved clear/almost clear skin, 85% reported treatment satisfaction vs. 39% who had not. Psoriasis profoundly affected daily life, with 88% of respondents reporting discrimination/humiliation and 61% reporting an impact on their professional life. This report highlights stigmatization among Nordic patients with psoriasis and the potential to improve physician–patient communication.

Psoriasis is a chronic, painful, disfiguring and disabling disease, currently without a cure. The disease can occur at any age, and at least 100 million people worldwide are affected, causing the WHO to consider psoriasis as a serious global problem. This article presents the Nordic results from the global patient survey “Clear About Psoriasis”, which was completed by 609 Nordic patients. This article illuminates the patients’ perspective on disease activity and how the disease affects their lives. It shows the importance of a well-defined treatment goal and good communication with healthcare professionals.

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