Psoriasis: looking beyond the skin

Psoriasis affects 125 million people worldwide,¹ yet it is still often misunderstood. Understanding the full burden of the condition is key to creating support that resonates. 

More than a skin condition 

If you only know one thing about psoriasis, it might be that it’s a skin condition. While this is true – psoriasis is characterised by scaly lesions on the skin – its impacts go far beyond the skin. Itching, burning or pain can disrupt everything from getting dressed and working to sleeping well. 

Yet the psychological weight can be heavier still. Many people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis say they often feel alone, isolated and misunderstood, while fear, shame and anxiety can lead to avoidant behaviours that keep people socially excluded.^2,3 Between 20% and 30% also experience depression.⁴ 

A cycle that affects treatment 

The emotional strain of a poorly controlled chronic condition can contribute to depression and anxiety, depression and anxiety, which can make it even harder to manage treatment.  

Staying on track with treatment can give people a greater sense of control, thereby reducing stress and anxiety linked to managing the condition.⁵ It can be a vicious spiral: when treatment isn’t followed, symptoms and stress can worsen, which makes it harder to follow treatment, and so on.  

The distress that goes unspoken 

In one study, 37% and 12% of patients were identified as probable clinical cases for anxiety and depression, respectively, meaning that nearly half of patients could be at risk of developing mental health problems relating to their condition.⁶ However, dermatologists raised the psychological difficulties of significantly distressed patients in only 39% of cases.⁶ 

If no one addresses it, this psychological burden can interfere with how well treatments work and add to healthcare costs.⁷ 

What should medical communications focus on? 

People with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis often have unmet expectations about treatment. By crafting healthcare communications that support stronger therapeutic relationships, address those expectations and support psychosocial needs, we may improve satisfaction and outcomes.⁸  

But what does that look like in practice? 

• Reflect the whole person. Acknowledge the emotional and social burden, not just the physical symptoms.  
• Support better conversations. Encourage healthcare professionals to ask whether patients can talk to someone about their disease and use the Dermatology Life Quality Index questions to guide consultations.⁹ 
• Signpost to peer support. There is considerable evidence for the benefits of reciprocal and peer support. Signposting to organisations such as the Psoriasis Association may help.⁹ 
• Communicate hope. People value active listening, shared decision-making and hopeful but realistic communication about treatment.³ 
• Harness storytelling. Storytelling can communicate scientific information in a way that changes how healthcare is received and understood.³ 

Beyond the skin 

At Mednet, our psoriasis work champions patient centricity. We equip people with knowledge, support and the latest clinical insights, and we encourage open conversations about mental health. Living well with psoriasis means more than treating the skin. When people feel seen, supported and empowered in all elements of their lives, it may help them stay on track with treatment and improve their quality of life.