New survey shows psoriasis diminishes quality of life for millions
People with psoriasis endure sleepless nights, interruption in daily activities, other indignities
Portland, Ore., May 15, 2002—An estimated 4.5 million U.S. adults suffer from psoriasis, according to a new survey released by the National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriasis, often misperceived as a mere skin rash, is a serious and often painful and debilitating disease of the immune system.
Psoriasis occurs when faulty signals in the immune system cause skin cells to regenerate too quickly—every three to four days instead of the usual 30-day cycle. Extra skin cells build up on the skin's surface, forming red, flaky, scaly patches, called plaques, that are often itchy and uncomfortable. Psoriasis generally appears on the joints, limbs and scalp, but it can appear anywhere on the body, covering some people from head to toe.
Survey highlights
Although there are more than a dozen prescription therapies available for psoriasis, the Psoriasis Foundation survey reveals that many individuals still experience poor quality of life and inadequate treatments that don't work for everyone and may cause serious side effects. According to the survey, serious problems are most acute among the 1.5 million people with moderate to severe psoriasis:
- 75 percent said their psoriasis is a moderate to large problem in their life.
- 26 percent altered or stopped their normal daily activities.
- 40 percent said their psoriasis affects their clothing choices - forcing them to cover up to hide their condition.
- 36 percent said psoriasis interferes with sleep.
- 33 percent are very unsatisfied with current treatments.
- 78 percent don't use the more aggressive therapies to treat their disease because of their side effects and lack of effectiveness.
According to Steven Feldman, M.D., professor of dermatology and pathology at Wake Forest University and one of the survey's principal investigators, "The Psoriasis Foundation survey backs up what I see in my practice. About 25 percent of my psoriasis patients say that, at one time or another, they have contemplated suicide because of their psoriasis."
Survey methodology
The Psoriasis Foundation randomly surveyed 27,000 people by phone to determine the prevalence of psoriasis. Of the 969 who reported a physician had diagnosed them with psoriasis, 278 completed the full follow-up survey questionnaire to assess their disease severity and treatment satisfaction. The Psoriasis Foundation supplemented these responses with phone and Web surveys of 575 Psoriasis Foundation members and 945 people who had contacted the Psoriasis Foundation at one time.
Opinion Research Corp. International and Market Facts conducted the initial survey interviews, Robinson Research Inc. conducted follow-up surveys, and LaunchBox, LLC coordinated the survey project. The Psoriasis Foundation gratefully acknowledges Biogen and Immunex Corp./Wyeth for their generous support in making the survey possible. The Psoriasis Foundation was solely responsible for all content and development.
Psoriasis Foundation launches education campaign
To improve the quality of life for people with psoriasis, the Psoriasis Foundation, with the support of Biogen, a biotechnology company, is launching an education campaign called Step Into My Skin. The campaign will provide information about biologics, a new class of drugs for psoriasis, and raise awareness of the disease.
"For the first time in 20 years, there are new treatments on the horizon specifically for people with moderate to severe psoriasis," said Gail M. Zimmerman, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "This is big news. That's why we're launching Step Into My Skin, to let people know about these new biologics and of the hope they bring to people who have this lifelong disease."
The Psoriasis Foundation campaign launches today, with former "Leave it to Beaver" child star Jerry Mathers as spokesperson. Mathers has psoriasis and will be speaking out about how he copes with the disease. Those interested in learning more about psoriasis may visit www.StepIntoMySkin.org.
The biologics revolution
Step Into My Skin will provide information on biologic therapies, the latest breakthrough for psoriasis. These new medications differ from existing treatments because they target the underlying processes that drive psoriasis and, therefore, halt the progression and symptoms of the disease.
Because biologics target specific aspects of the immune system, they may be safer and more effective than current treatments. For some patients, biologic therapy may offer relief for the first time.
"I've had psoriasis for more than 20 years and I've tried everything," said Mike Johnson, a psoriasis patient from Vancouver, Wash. "Nothing worked until I joined a clinical trial for a biologic treatment. I can't believe the results. For the first time, my skin is clear. It's changed my life."
About the Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the only nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and their families. It receives its principal support from public donations. Its mission is to educate people about these diseases and their treatments, raise public awareness, and support ongoing research.
The organization is headquartered in Portland, Ore., and serves the millions of men, women, and children diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation at (800) 723-9166 or explore this Web site.
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