Global survey finds that 84% of people with psoriasis report discrimination

A survey of more than 8,300 people from 31 countries with moderate-to-severe psoriasis found that 84% of participants reported discrimination and humiliation because of their condition, according to a press release from Novartis.

There were 55% of participants reporting that achieving clear or almost clear skin is not a realistic goal for them, with 45% of participants reporting they have been asked if they are contagious, according to the release. Forty percent of participants reported being stared at in public, and 16% reported hiding themselves away as a coping mechanism.

It was the largest global survey to date, and the first survey to explore perceptions of clear skin in psoriasis, according to the release. Novartis partnered with patient organizations, including 25 groups.

“Everybody deserves the right to receive effective treatment for their psoriasis and work towards the goal of clear skin,” Richard B. Warren, MD, PhD, reader lecturer and honorary consultant dermatologist at the Dermatology Centre Salford Royal Foundation Hospital, University of Manchester, stated in the release. “Though we may not be able to change the public’s attitude overnight, as dermatologists, we should work with patients to encourage them to strive towards a treatment goal of clear skin.”

“This survey marks our commitment to support the World Health Organization’s resolution to make psoriasis a global health priority, fighting the stigma and ignorance associated with psoriasis and advancing patient care,” Vasant Narasimhan, global head, Drug and Development and chief medical officer at Novartis, stated in the release.

Reference: www.novartis.com