Patients' knowledge of psoriasis: pilot study.

A brief questionnaire was constructed to sample patients' factual knowledge of the nature of psoriasis. The study demonstrated that many patients with psoriasis have gaps in their knowledge of the disease or misconceptions that could be obstacles to effective treatment and disease prevention. The results of the questionnaire study are discussed as well as the need for patients to be aware of factors to improve self-care and extrinsic conditions that can exacerbate this disease.