The psychosocial effects of skin diseases: need for support groups

Patients with psoriasis may be psychologically vulnerable and suffer social isolation as a result of physical disfigurement. It is important that nurses are able to assess the psychological needs of patients and, where necessary, facilitate the development of positive coping strategies. Staff and patients in the dermatology department at the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, set up a support group to try to address these issues. One year on, an evaluation of the efficacy of the group has shown that such gatherings are essential to the psychological wellbeing of individuals with skin complaints.