More than 85% of US respondents to the global Clear About Psoriasis Survey share that they have experienced social stigma such as discrimination and humiliation due to the disease.

In addition, 52% of US respondents state that they do not believe that clear skin is a realistic goal for them.

The survey, which was initiated and funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp in partnership with the National Psoriasis Foundation, received more than 8,300 responses from patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in 31 countries. Among the responses, 1,415 came from patients in the United States, according to a media release from East Hanover, NJ-based Novartis.

US respondents to the survey also reveal being asked if they were contagious (48%); being stared at while out in public (45%); and needing to do additional housework, including cleaning up flakes or washing bloody or stained sheets (48%).

Additional results from the US respondents include admitting to hiding themselves away from the world due to the disease (21%), and being diagnosed with depression (30%) or anxiety (27%).

More than half of US respondents (51%) note that psoriasis has impacted past or current relationships, and less than one third (28%) state that they feel their partner loves them just the way they are, per the release.

“As a dermatologist, I was concerned to learn that so many psoriasis sufferers don’t think clear or almost clear skin is a possibility, which reinforces the importance of patients talking to their dermatologists,” states April Armstrong, MD, MPH, Associate Dean for Clinical Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California and Medical Board Member for the National Psoriasis Foundation, in the release.

The National Psoriasis Foundation encourages psoriasis patients to work closely with their dermatologists to manage their disease. It also offers a Patient Navigation Center, a personalized support center for people living with psoriasis.

[Source(s): Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp, PR Newswire]