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Psoriasis, herpes labialis highly stigmatizing, image-based survey reports

Participants of an image-based survey found images of psoriasis to be as bothersome as those of herpes labialis in some categories, according to recently published study results.

Researchers used an image-based questionnaire to study and compare the public’s attitude toward psoriasis, to identify factors that contribute to its stigmatization and to compare perceptions of psoriasis against other common dermatological conditions including atopic dermatitis, acne, vitiligo, rosacea, herpes labialis, warts and tinea versicolor. The survey was administered at the outpatient dermatology clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, and survey participants could not have any self-reported skin condition other than teenage acne.

Fifty-six participants (mean age, 42.7 years; 29 female) completed a questionnaire.

While 48% of participants reported feeling upset by images of psoriasis, mostly due to color, scale, thickness and size of lesions (95% CI, 35.1-61.3), a significantly higher number of survey respondents felt upset by the images of herpes labialis (95% CI, 63.6-82.63).

The majority of participants believed psoriasis had infectious cause and 41% reported that the scale, color and size made the psoriasis lesions look contagious.

Survey results showed that 85.7% of participants reported feeling pity if they saw someone with psoriasis, which was a greater percentage than for other conditions except acne.

There was no difference in the percentage of people who believed herpes or psoriasis was the most bothersome: 39.3% for herpes vs. 30.4% for psoriasis

 “This study showed that misconceptions of infection and contagion and feelings of pity cause psoriasis to be as bothersome as herpes labialis,” the researchers concluded. “Although our study subjects reported the two conditions to be similarly bothersome, psoriasis may have a greater overall impact on quality of life because of its continuity and chronicity. Because of its potential lifelong impact, it is important to familiarize the public with psoriasis and to aid in destigmatization.” – By Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.