How Does Psoriasis Affect Quality Of Life?

October 2, 2024

Psoriasis is more than just skin deep. Although it has apparent signs that suggest it’s just an external skin condition, Psoriasis has severe and far-reaching impacts on the lives of those who suffer from it. It is not only a physical illness as those who have Psoriasis also experience a number of psychological impacts where it nearly pervades every aspect of their life.

It is important for those who have Psoriasis, their families, their employers, their healthcare providers, and/or those who have contact with patients with such a disease to understand the full impact of Psoriasis. In this article, we will explain the effects of Psoriasis on the quality of life of the affected patient, touching on issues concerning comfort, stress, social relations, cost and how the patient can effectively cope with the disease.

The Physical Impact of Psoriasis

Psoriasis in its basic form is a long-term, or even lifelong, disease of the immune system that leads to accelerated skin cell division. This leads to the formation of plaques, these being thick, red skin masses that have silvery scales on their surface. These plaques can be itchy, painful, crack and may even bleed at times. Psoriasis commonly affects the joints of the elbows, knees, top of the head, and lower back but can occur on any part of the body.

The symptoms of Psoriasis are manifested physically and can be uncomfortable most of the time. Scratching, burning, and pain interferes with mobility, grip strength, and balance, as well as with standing, walking, holding objects, and even sitting. Sometimes patients develop joint pain and may be diagnosed with a condition known as psoriatic arthritis that is associated with psoriasis and can be very damaging to the joints when not well managed.

Sleep disturbances are also one of the common symptoms most people with the disorder experience. This condition may adversely affect the quality of sleep because the skin becomes sensitive and handling it becomes painful, this results in tiredness, irritability and lethargy during the day. The need for continuous skin care treatments, such as applying ointments and lotions or managing flare-ups, can feel overwhelming and burdensome.

Petrina answers the question, “How does lifestyle affect Psoriasis?“.

The Emotional and Psychological Toll of Psoriasis

While the physical manifestations of psoriasis are clearly noticeable, a similarly equally or even more severe impact is on the emotional and psychological well-being of the affected person. The experience of living each day in a world where beauty standards are judged and the person has a visible skin ailment can make them embarrassed, ashamed and develop social anxiety disorder.

Though many patients have long-term stable psoriasis, flare-ups can occur randomly, and therefore, the next place and time an outbreak will occur with the skin disease is uncertain. Such uncertainty results in an inability to relax or have a good time without the worry of a flare-up happening at any time. This is because even when the skin condition is not well-managed, the greatest danger of a relapse is ever present in the back of their mind.

Lack of self-confidence and shyness are quite common to experience. Those who have plaques of psoriasis, particularly on the face or hands, can become an object of mockery or curiosity; that is why patients can experience the feelings of loneliness and shame. Patients suffering from psoriasis can often be frustrated, complaining about their looks and feeling unattractive or undesirable. This can significantly affect romantic relationships and intimacy, where the fear of rejection due to one’s appearance can be paralysing.

If left unchecked, the psychological effects of psoriasis can even lead to depression overtime. Research has found that a person with psoriasis is likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. In some cases, the mental health challenges posed by psoriasis can be so severe that they lead to suicidal thoughts. Both the family members, patients and the healthcare providers must equally embrace the fact that this disease mainly relates to being an illness of both the body and the mind.

Social Isolation and Relationship Struggles

Psoriasis can affect a person’s interpersonal relationships and their ability to interact with other people. Due to the visibility of the condition, the patient may feel that they will be judged or stigmatised. Most patients with psoriasis admit to experiencing social-related stigma especially if the skin condition is severe. They may also restrain themselves from interacting socially, or avoid swimming, gyms or wearing clothing that may show the affected areas to avoid the potential embarrassment of showing their plaques in public.

Loneliness, on the other hand, causes people to feel isolated. Psoriasis patients come up with reasons not to attend functions such as family or social events or even business functions due to how their skin looks. It can also negatively impact friendships and romantic relationships because others do not always understand this condition.

Psoriasis also affects relations within the family or other close ones in a less direct manner. For instance, caregiving tasks that need to be done on a daily basis to manage the disease—like applying medication or bathing the skin often—can disrupt a partner’s or family’s life. Some may need additional help with their conditions or their flare-ups which may add more burden to their family members.

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The Financial Burden of Psoriasis

The cost incurred in the management of psoriasis is rather high and this puts more burden on patients. Psoriasis treatments may be costly for those who use different topical medications, biologics, phototherapy or other therapies for psoriasis. Besides the expenses of treatment, many other expenses are involved like time lost from work due to doctor’s appointments or flare-ups.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation there are many people with psoriasis who spend thousands of dollars per year on treatments and care. Not all insurance covers adequate treatments that are known to be effective and prevent or control the symptoms of the disease, leaving many patients paying out of pocket for the treatments and therapies that allow them to manage their symptoms. For some, this financial strain can lead to difficult decisions about whether to prioritise treatment or other basic needs.

Furthermore, both the extent of the psoriasis and the presence of psoriatic arthritis are likely to cause a disability. Those who have such illnesses may not be able to carry on working, and may be forced out of their jobs or earn less income. If they can work while experiencing the symptoms, their performance will likely be negatively affected by the physical pain and emotional burden of the disease.

Coping Strategies and Improving Quality of Life

However, even a severe disease such as psoriasis can be managed and one can prevent it from significantly affecting their quality of life. Another major aspect of psoriasis management is to work closely with a healthcare provider in order to come up with the best treatment regime. In the conventional medical community, biologic therapies and other new therapies have made it easier for patients with psoriasis to effectively manage the conditions and have less flare-ups.

The other important aspects of managing psoriasis include education and support as well. Learning more about the condition and understanding its triggers can help people avoid or manage flare-ups more effectively. Joining support groups, either in person or online, allows people with psoriasis to connect with others who understand their struggles. Simply knowing others deal with this condition, getting advice on how best to manage it, and having people to talk to about the feelings that come with the condition can help make living with psoriasis easier.

Mental health care is equally important. Counselling and psychotherapy with patients who have psoriasis can improve the psychosocial aspect of the disease, identify how stress should be managed, and increase self-esteem. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is particularly helpful for persons with chronic diseases such as psoriasis.

Other forms of self-care include practising activities like yoga, meditating or doing any other stress buster activity. For most people, eating more smart foods and staying adequately hydrated can help with their skin condition and minimise flare-ups.

Watch our video where Petrina answers the question, “How does Psoriasis affect quality of life?“

Conclusion

Psoriasis is not just a skin disorder but it is one of the most challenging conditions to live with in regards to how it will impact the life of the patient in aspects that are physiological, social, and even financial. This condition can cause physical ailment, mental health issues, and social isolation. However, with our form of treatment and management and with our support and coping strategies, one can be in a position to improve their quality of life, thus reducing the impact of psoriasis on their daily lives. Thanks to our wellness clinic that constantly works towards improving the lives of psoriasis patients by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of the disease, those with psoriasis can find ways to live more comfortably and confidently, despite the challenges the condition presents.

Start your Psoriasis journey with confidence, using our resources that are meant to guide and encourage you. Start by downloading our FREE Psoriasis guide booklet, containing all relevant information and helpful tips. For those interested in gaining further knowledge and learning more about comprehensive approaches, enrol in our special Psoriasis course. Furthermore, you can book a free consultation from our wellness clinic to get professional help that will be aimed at meeting your needs. Do not let Psoriasis be a hindrance – begin your path to improved skin health right away!

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