Psoriasis and body image

Psoriasis is a world-wide, chronic skin disorder which ranges in severity from a mild, localized condition to a widespread, intractable type with potential for systemic involvement. Although this disease is noninfectious, it nevertheless creates fear and misunderstanding in both health care providers and the lay public. The etiology of psoriasis is an enigma. A multifactorial pathogenesis, including heredity, infection, stress and immunologic factors has been proposed. Additionally, environmental factors are believed to interact with genetic predisposition in causing this disease. Treatment regimes are aimed at decreasing epithelial proliferation and range from minor to intensive, complex and time-consuming therapies. The effects of both disease and treatment may be unpleasant and disfiguring and the psychological effects on body image can be devastating to the individual.