Vanina L Taliercio1,2,3,4,5, Ashley M Snyder1,2,3,4,5, Lisa B Webber1,2,3,4,5, Adelheid U Langner1,2,3,4,5, Bianca E Rich1,2,3,4,5, Abram P Beshay1,2,3,4,5, Dominik Ose1,2,3,4,5, Joshua E Biber1,2,3,4,5, Rachel Hess1,2,3,4,5, Jamie L W Rhoads1,2,3,4,5, Aaron M Secrest1,2,3,4,5. 1. Drs. Taliercio, Beshay, Rhoads, and Secrest, Ms. Snyder, and Ms. Webber are with the Department of Dermatology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. 2. Ms. Langner and Ms. Rich are with the School of Medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. 3. Mr. Ose is with the Department of Family and Preventative Medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. 4. Drs. Hess and Secrest, Ms. Snyder, and Mr. Biber are with the Department of Population Health Sciences at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. 5. Dr. Hess is also with the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pruritus is the most common symptom of psoriasis, with a significant impact on patient quality of life. In spite of this, the severity, persistence, and overall impact of itchiness has only been rarely formally assessed during standard psoriasis clinic visits. Objectives: We sought to understand the far-reaching impacts of itchiness on the lives of those with psoriasis and their families. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study with five focus groups and 10 semi-structured interviews from August 2018 to January 2019. We enrolled 25 individuals with a diagnosis of at least moderate plaque psoriasis and 11 family members (primarily significant others). Views and experiences were analyzed thematically via content analysis. RESULTS: Itchiness considerably impacts those with plaque psoriasis and their families. Our narrative analysis produced three main themes relating to itchiness: the triggers of itchiness, including climate, emotions, and behaviors; the physical consequences of itchiness, including disruption of emotional well-being, sleep disturbance, and daily activities; and the prevention and treatment strategies used to alleviate itchiness. CONCLUSION: Itchiness impacts the quality of life in those with psoriasis and their family members. We strongly urge clinicians to inquire about and monitor the severity and impact of itchiness in psoriasis patients.
BACKGROUND: Pruritus is the most common symptom of psoriasis, with a significant impact on patient quality of life. In spite of this, the severity, persistence, and overall impact of itchiness has only been rarely formally assessed during standard psoriasis clinic visits. Objectives: We sought to understand the far-reaching impacts of itchiness on the lives of those with psoriasis and their families. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study with five focus groups and 10 semi-structured interviews from August 2018 to January 2019. We enrolled 25 individuals with a diagnosis of at least moderate plaque psoriasis and 11 family members (primarily significant others). Views and experiences were analyzed thematically via content analysis. RESULTS: Itchiness considerably impacts those with plaque psoriasis and their families. Our narrative analysis produced three main themes relating to itchiness: the triggers of itchiness, including climate, emotions, and behaviors; the physical consequences of itchiness, including disruption of emotional well-being, sleep disturbance, and daily activities; and the prevention and treatment strategies used to alleviate itchiness. CONCLUSION: Itchiness impacts the quality of life in those with psoriasis and their family members. We strongly urge clinicians to inquire about and monitor the severity and impact of itchiness in psoriasis patients.
Authors: A I M van Laarhoven; A L Walker; O H Wilder-Smith; S Kroeze; P L C M van Riel; P C M van de Kerkhof; F W Kraaimaat; A W M Evers Journal: Br J Dermatol Date: 2012-06-11 Impact factor: 9.302
Authors: Junko Takeshita; Kristina Callis Duffin; Daniel B Shin; Gerald G Krueger; Andrew D Robertson; Andrea B Troxel; Abby S Van Voorhees; Joel M Gelfand Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol Date: 2014-06-11 Impact factor: 11.527
Authors: Ashley M Snyder; Adelheid U Brandenberger; Vanina L Taliercio; Bianca E Rich; Lisa B Webber; Abram P Beshay; Joshua E Biber; Rachel Hess; Jamie L W Rhoads; Aaron M Secrest Journal: Int J Behav Med Date: 2022-05-26