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Coping with Psoriasis or Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Qualitative Study
Shani Fisher1, Moriah Ellen, Arnon D Cohen
1Shani Fisher, MA, RN, is Chief Nurse, Dermatology Clinic, Emek Medical Center, Afula, and PhD student, Nursing Department, Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel. Moriah Ellen, PhD, is Senior Lecturer and Investigator, Department of Health Systems Management, Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Arnon D. Cohen, MD, is dermatologist and Head of Department of Quality Measurements and Research, Chief Physician's Office, Clalit Health Services, Tel Aviv. Ilya Kagan, PhD, RN, is Senior Lecturer, Nursing Department, Steyer School of Health Professions, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. The authors have disclosed no financial relationships related to this article. Submitted September 28, 2019; accepted in revised form December 12, 2019.
Patients with psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) share common emotional struggles coping with their chronic inflammatory skin conditions, particularly during symptom flare-ups.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Psychology
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
- These conditions often present with significant comorbidities.
- Understanding patient coping mechanisms is crucial for managing disease burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the personal and psychosocial coping strategies of patients with psoriasis or HS.
- To identify common issues faced by these patients, especially during disease exacerbations.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study employing the phenomenology model.
- Semistructured interviews with 20 patients (10 with psoriasis, 10 with HS).
- Content analysis of interview transcripts, classifying issues by frequency and domain.
Main Results:
- Five key domains emerged: distressing symptoms, coping struggles, eruption avoidance, eruption management, and information seeking.
- Pain and pruritus were identified as the most distressing symptoms.
- Emotional, functional, and financial burdens were significant challenges for patients.
Conclusions:
- Despite differing symptoms, psoriasis and HS patients share common emotional experiences.
- The study highlights the significant psychosocial impact of chronic inflammatory skin diseases.
- Addressing the emotional burden is vital for comprehensive patient care.
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