Experiences and coping behaviors of patients with psoriasis: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background

Psoriasis is a complex, chronic, lifelong inflammatory skin disease characterized by the development of erythematous, indurated, scaly, pruritic, and often painful skin plaques, and it is currently incurable. It profoundly affects psychological wellbeing and social functioning and has significant associated co-morbidities. To improve clinical approaches, understanding of the experiences of patients with psoriasis is needed.

Objective

To explore the experiences and coping behaviors of patients with psoriasis.

Methods

A qualitative study approach was conducted. Through semi-structured interviews, 20 patients with psoriasis were recruited from general practices and specialist dermatology practices in a regional teaching hospital in Taiwan. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed by content analysis.

Results

Three themes and nine subthemes were identified: (1) Symptoms distress: (a) trouble with scaling, (b) bothersome itching, and (c) complex pain experiences; (2) Psychological distress: (a) encountering discrimination and (b) feeling stigmatized; (3) Managing psoriasis: (a) coping with symptoms, (b) seeking alternative methods, (c) using biologic agents, and (d) changing thinking and coexisting with the disease.

Conclusion

The experience of patients with psoriasis has significant negative impacts on their lives. The findings of this study can provide healthcare professionals with a reference for the care of patients with psoriasis.

Keywords:

• Psoriasis
• experience
• coping behavior
• qualitative research.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the participants of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Deidentified datasets are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Jen-Ai Hospital, Dali, Taichung. The funding organization had no role in the design, conduct, interpretation, review, or approval of the manuscript.