Quality of life, mental health issues common in rosacea, PsO patients

A proportion of rosacea (ROS) and psoriasis (PsO) patients report mental health issues and an impact on their quality of life (QOL), according to a report¹ conducted by Galderma.

The report included 361 physicians across Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Poland and the United States and more than 600 patients with ROS and PsO of the face. in an effort to help improve disease outcomes, by answering three key questions:

• What is the true extent of the burden patients face?
• How does it differ across the two facial skin diseases?
• By looking at the impact of facial skin disease from different angles, what insights can researchers gain to help patients and doctors achieve the best outcomes?

The study assessed the challenge of controlling the two diseases, similarities and disparities in disease management, QOL issues, mental health impact and health care provider attitudes and approaches.

"This ground-breaking study is helping to evolve treatment practice in rosacea and psoriasis. There is much to be learned from current practice and the striking similarities between rosacea and psoriasis of the face in terms of impact on patients' productivity and daily lives, which further demonstrates the importance of improving outcomes,” says Jerry Tan, MD, FRCP, adjunct professor, Western University, Ontario, Canada, and one of the study’s authors.

Results of the study show both ROS and PsO of the face have a significant impact on patients’ sense of control, with 90% of all patients reporting that they see their disease as partially or totally uncontrolled. Also, 40% of all patients said their skin condition impairs their work-related activities.

Half of all patients in the study said they felt ashamed of their disease. Results revealed that patients with ROS were more likely to experience feelings of low self-esteem (34% ROS v. 20% PsO), low confidence (30% ROS v. 18% PsO) and blame themselves for flare-ups (28% ROS v. 20% PsO).

Both patient groups experience invisible symptoms, including burning, stinging an itching. The data revealed that only one-quarter of the physicians surveyed are examining these symptoms patients with ROS (27% ROS v. 40% PsO).

When evaluating new patients, health care providers said QOL and psychological impact were not their top priorities. Only a small portion of physicians said they investigate QOL impacts in their practices (9% ROS and 22% PsO).

Despite this small interest in QOL’s impact, a majority of both patient groups expressed the view that their disease had a significant effect on their daily lives (58% ROS v. 55% of PsO). Additionally, 1-in-2 patients reported moderate-to-severe depression (49% ROS v. 43% PsO), and one-third of all patients expressed feeling moderate-to-severe anxiety.

Roughly 50% of patients with ROS and one-third of patients with PsO on the face felt their skin disease was triggered by certain lifestyle choices. The study also found that patients with ROS were more likely to avoid daily lifestyle behaviors due to their disease, including sun exposure, consuming hot or spicy foods, drinking hot beverages and alcohol and using make-up. According to the study, these observations reveal a need for more patient education.

Also, both patient groups said they wanted a better understanding of their disease (73% ROS v. 65% PsO). “Knowledge is power, by increasing our patients’ understanding of their disease, we can increase their chances of achieving clear skin,” says Tan.

References:

1. Galderma. Galderma global research reveals struggles of people with rosacea and psoriasis of the face experiencing a lack of control and impact on mental wellbeing. Accessed December 18, 2020. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/galderma-global-research-reveals-struggles-of-people-with-rosacea-and-psoriasis-of-the-face-experiencing-a-lack-of-control-and-impact-on-mental-wellbeing-301073491.html