Fewer Psoriasis Patients Satisfied with Current Treatments Save

Science Daily reports the results of a new survey by Health Union that assessed nearly 600 individuals with plaques psoriasis. They found that despite numerous treatment options, many have difficulty finding treatment plans that work. (Citation source: http://buff.ly/2b2eRFL)

Psoriasis affects at least 7.5 million adults in the U.S. 

Survey participants reported never knowing when or how often flares would occur. Monthly flares were reported by 64%, half noted daily flares and nearly 1/3 said flares would last > 3 months.

Despite many treatment options, only 1/3 said they were satisfied with their current treatment plan. Phototherapy/light therapy was previously used by nearly 40%, but fewer (4%) currently do. Topical treatments have increased (36% previously using and 57% currently), but it's the newer biologic medicines that have been growing in use (currently used by 26% of respondents).

Other patient survery results:

• 86% feel embarrassed by their psoriasis
• 81% said that psoriasis impacts their emotional well-being or they have been depressed
• 66% feel isolated or alone due to their psoriasis

The Psoriasis in America 2016 survey was conducted April 26 -- June 18, 2016 with 582 respondents living with psoriasis; of those, 67% were currently diagnosed with plaque psoriasis and 50% with psoriatic arthritis.