A new study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment highlights that a significant number of patients with psoriatic disease (PsD) are unaware of the systemic nature of their condition, its associated manifestations, and common comorbidities. The research sheds light on gaps in patient education, particularly in the Persian Gulf region, where psoriasis is on the rise.
Psoriasis is a chronic condition in which the immune system overreacts, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly, resulting in scaly, inflamed patches on the skin. While the exact cause remains unclear, genetics and environmental factors play a role. Psoriasis can appear in different forms, such as plaque and guttate, and is often associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which affects up to 30% of those with psoriasis.
PsD is a complex disease that affects not only the skin but also a patient’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. The condition imposes significant economic and quality-of-life burdens, making effective management crucial. Current treatment options range from biologics and phototherapy to topical treatments, with recommendations for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for mild PsA and biologic therapies for more severe cases.
Despite advancements in treatment, managing PsD remains challenging for healthcare providers striving to improve patient outcomes. This led the study’s researchers to investigate how patients in the Gulf region understand their condition. While psoriasis’s prevalence in the region remains under-documented, estimates suggest it affects between 0.5% and 5.3% of the population. Cultural factors unique to this region may influence how patients perceive and manage the disease.
To address these gaps in understanding, the researchers conducted the “Psoriasis and Beyond” survey, a cross-sectional study designed to assess patient awareness and perceptions of psoriasis, PsA, and their associated comorbidities. The survey ran from March 2022 to June 2023 and targeted adult patients from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman.
Out of 346 participants (mean age 39.5 years; 54% male), just 61% were aware that psoriasis and PsA are part of a systemic disease. Additionally, 27% of respondents were unaware of any comorbidities related to their condition, and many failed to recognize symptoms of PsA, such as axial symptoms. The study reveals that over one-third of patients were unaware that psoriasis is a systemic disease, highlighting a critical knowledge gap.
“Such a gap in awareness calls for focused educational efforts in the Gulf region,” the study authors noted. Educating patients about the systemic nature of PsD could encourage them to seek comprehensive care, rather than only focusing on dermatological symptoms.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of improving patient awareness, which could lead to better alignment of treatment goals and empower shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers. By enhancing communication, both parties can better manage the disease and address the challenges PsD presents.
In conclusion, the survey suggests that many patients in the Gulf region—whether they have psoriasis or PsA—are not fully aware of their disease’s systemic nature or associated comorbidities. The results highlight the need for better patient education to improve care and outcomes.
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