The psychosocial and occupational impact of chronic skin disease

Abstract

Chronic skin diseases, particularly psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. Patients often experience significant psychological and social distress such as increased levels of depression and fear of stigma. Skin diseases can also impact patients' occupational lives by causing them to miss work or be less productive. Quality of life instruments provide important information for healthcare professionals, the general public, and those involved in distribution of healthcare resources, which helps prevent chronic skin disease from being overlooked amidst other medical conditions. Copyright © Blackwell Publishing, Inc., 2008.