02 Nov 2009
Half of patients with the most severe form of psoriasis suffer from the condition having an irreversible effect on their lives.
This is according to a new survey published by Abbott and supported by the Psoriasis Association, which also revealed that one in five psoriasis patients said their condition had contributed towards the loss of a job or resignation.
A further one in four said the disease had led to the decline of an intimate relationship, while 43 per cent said that psoriasis had prevented them from making new friends.
Even more worrying was the fact that 83 per cent of psoriasis patients were dissatisfied with their current treatment.
The survey carries particular weight because the poll was undertaken in 17 countries, including the UK.
Gladys Edwards, on the Psoriasis Association, said the poll had provided "valuable insights" into the experiences of those living with the autoimmune disease.
"Many people with psoriasis are able to manage their condition with minimal life disruption, but there is a significant number who can find the condition to be extremely distressing and isolating, impacting their work, social and personal lives," she explained.
Psoriasis affects the skin and joints and causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.
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