Psoriasis is being under-treated, according to a new survey

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are missing out on treatment.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition which can have a profoundly negative impact on everyday life. The National Psoriasis Foundation carries out regular surveys and now reports that 21 per cent of patients with severe psoriasis have a low household income compared to just 13 per cent of those with a mild form of the condition.

Those with moderate to severe psoriasis ought to be treated with either phototherapy or systemic (tablet) therapy. The latter includes biologic therapies which can damp down the inflammation. However, the current survey shows that treatment rates have not gone up in the last three years. Around 40 per cent of a group of over 1,000 patients with moderate to severe psoriasis were not being given any treatment at all. And of those who were, 57 per cent of those with severe disease and 73 per cent of those with moderate disease were only getting topical treatment. Many could benefit from systemic therapy. The researchers therefore hope these findings will encourage patients to ask for improved treatment for psoriasis.

Source
American Academy of Dermatology meeting 2nd February 2007