Novartis reports over half of psoriasis patients do not reach the achievable treatment goal of clear skin in largest global survey - Seite 2

The survey findings reinforce the need for greater education and engagement of healthcare professionals and patients about the achievability of clear or almost clear skin as a treatment goal. In addition, they demonstrate the detrimental impact psoriasis has on patients' lives. The majority of people surveyed (84%) were suffering discrimination and humiliation, while almost half (43%) of patients felt psoriasis had affected their relationships and made it difficult to form intimate relationships[1].

A third of people (38%) surveyed also reported that they have been diagnosed with a psychological condition due to psoriasis, with one in four diagnosed with anxiety (24%) or depression (25%)[1]. Patients with anxiety or depression were also found to suffer more severe disease and worse quality of life in other research presented at EADV[3], further emphasizing the link between the psychological and physical aspects of the disease.

Further information and results from the survey are available at www.skintolivein.com/Ask4Clear. Skin To Live In is an online hub from Novartis with social media channels across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram, that is dedicated to educating and supporting patients with severe skin conditions, including psoriasis.

Novartis is committed to people living with psoriasis and has launched the Ask Your Dermatologist campaign, which is supported by patient and medical groups. The campaign, currently launched in several countries including Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Austria, aims to inspire and encourage people with psoriasis to re-engage with their dermatologist to discuss treatment expectations and prioritize how they can improve their quality of life. To find out more about this campaign, please visit http://www.askyourderm.com.

About psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious, autoimmune disease that affects up to 3% of the world's population[4]. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. Psoriasis is not simply a cosmetic problem, but a persistent, chronic (long-lasting), and often distressing disease which can affect even the simplest aspects of people's daily lives. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis have, or will, develop psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints are also affected, causing debilitating symptoms including pain, stiffness and irreversible joint damage[5,6]. Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression[5].