New survey data exposes challenges faced by psoriasis patients

Novartis has published its survey Clear about Psoriasis in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. The data exposes the challenges psoriasis patients around the world have to deal with.

More than 8,300 psoriasis sufferers from 31 countries were studied. Their symptoms ranged from moderate to severe and whilst improvements in their condition are attainable today, they still had to see multiple medical professionals and try on average four different treatments before they succeeded in having clear or almost clear skin. 43% of sufferers said they had achieved clear or almost clear skin, and 30% said it took over five years to find a treatment that worked for them.
Professor Richard B Warren, Professor of Dermatology and Therapeutics at the Dermatology Centre Salford Royal Foundation Hospital, University of Manchester said: “Despite the availability of newer and better psoriasis treatments, these data tell us that many patients don’t seem to believe or know achieving clear skin is possible. It’s critical we unite as a healthcare and patient community to raise awareness about these influential findings, in order to help people with psoriasis believe in and achieve the realistic treatment goal of clear skin.”

Shreeram Aradhye, Global Head of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Novartis Pharmaceuticals said: “The impact of psoriasis is more than skin deep and can have a profound effect on people’s physical and emotional wellbeing. People can feel trapped by the disabling symptoms of psoriasis and with the publication of this survey, we aim to inspire patients and support healthcare professionals in working together to achieve clearer skin sooner.”