Serena hesitated. He didn't ask me any questions and came to that conclusion too fast, Serena thinks as she itched her arm. Maybe it would be better to see a specialist to learn more about her psoriasis and how it could impact her life.

"I understand," her doctor says. "I know a dermatologist specializing in psoriasis."

it was so nice to meet you today!
same! how did your appointment go?
it went ok... he gave me a prescription cream to use but i don't know much about psoriasis
honestly, I asked for a dermatologist referral. I want to see a skin expert since I have psoriasis too! you should, too!

How's
Serena

?

Before her appointment with a dermatologist, Serena focuses on getting all the information she can about how psoriasis could impact her health and ways to manage it, including lifestyle changes, so she can have a productive appointment.

She reads through as much information as possible to help distract from the fact she has to vacuum her skin flakes several times a day. But that is far from the biggest impact psoriasis will have on Serena’s life.

CLCI

Cumulative Life Course Impairment: Chronic diseases can exert cumulative negative impact along an individual's life path, resulting in missed opportunities and influencing their ability to fulfill their full potential. The negative impacts of psoriasis can be substantial.² Without appropriate psoriasis management, people with psoriasis are at risk for increased CLCI.^2,3,4

Physical

Psoriasis can appear anywhere, but like many people Serena is affected primarily on the outside of her elbows, knees and scalp.⁵ Symptoms like itchiness, burning, flaking and stinging lead to physical pain and discomfort.^5,6

Physical

Emotional

Serena felt empowered to ask questions and to see a dermatologist. For some people, it can take more than two years to get a dermatologist referral.⁷

Emotional

Social

Could vacuuming just be an excuse for Serena to stay home and avoid meeting new people? 94% of people with psoriasis say their condition impacts their social life.⁵

Social

Economic

Dermatologist
Visit

1

Serena is more than prepared for her dermatologist appointment and knows how important it is to be open and honest with her dermatologist. She brings pictures and a list of her management goals and walks into her appointment with confidence.

Her dermatologist is impressed. She takes the time to explain her moderate to severe psoriasis diagnosis and all the management options they have for her psoriasis. Serena leaves feeling like they are on the same team.

How's
Serena

?

At first, Serena is feeling better. But even on her new management plan, she is experiencing flares that make her self-conscious. She wears sweatshirts all summer and calls in sick to work so she doesn't have have to face her colleagues.

Is this what it was supposed to be like? She wishes she could just reach her goal already — feeling comfortable in her own skin. But like with many other psoriasis patients, her first disease management plan may not be her last.

Physical

Approximately 20% of people with psoriasis have moderate to severe disease, like Serena.⁸

Physical

Emotional

When physicians take the time to provide information about psoriasis and the rationale for disease management plans, as Serena's doctor does, it improves the quality of care and outcomes.^9,10,11

Emotional

Social

Having visible symptoms makes Serena feel self-conscious. People with psoriasis frequently feel stigmatized and report being excluded from normal social environments, including schools, workplaces and swimming pools.⁵ They also preempt the stigma by avoiding situations where their skin might be exposed — like Serena did by working from home.¹²

Social

Economic

Around 30% of people with psoriasis report loss of work productivity.¹³ How could Serena's potential career be harmed by this?

Economic

I think ‘Don't let psoriasis separate us’ is a good message for people with and without psoriasis. When a person without psoriasis sees a flare, they get scared and think it is contagious. A person with psoriasis does not tend to make relationships because of this. This separation is one of the most important parts affecting mental health in people with psoriasis.

_{– International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA)}

Dermatologist
Visit

2

At a follow-up appointment with her dermatologist, Serena decides to speak up. “I’m not happy,” she admits. “I’ve been on this regimen for a while now and my psoriasis is still visible. I passed on tryouts for the local soccer league because of it. What else can we do to help me reach my goals?”

The dermatologist says she will put her on an advanced therapy. She explains how it works and why she thinks it should be considered.

hey! long time no talk
hiiiiii how’re you? how was the derm?
she gave me something to try. haven’t seen much improvement
i’m reading up on other options to manage my psoriasis
like lemon juice?
omg no!
i finally made it to a derm! still not feeling optimistic, though

How's
Serena

?

It doesn’t happen overnight, but over time Serena begins to notice more time between her flares and a slowing of itching and flaking. She finally goes shopping for new running shorts.

Is this it? For the first time in a long time, Serena can imagine a different path ahead of her. She wants to tell the whole world about her journey. Maybe she could start a blog? Good thing she has great Wi-Fi.

Physical

Serena isn’t just imagining feeling better. An increase in skin clearance (from approximately 75% clear to approximately 90% clear) can lead to 50% increase in likelihood of achieving an improved quality of life.¹⁵

Physical

Emotional

Individuals with good knowledge of their psoriasis, like Serena, more frequently reported complete satisfaction with care compared with those individuals with poor knowledge.¹⁶

Emotional

Social

Economic

Dermatologist
Visit

3

Serena is beaming at her next appointment.

“You’ve responded really well to our plan,” the dermatologist says. “And you seem happier. I’m glad we aligned on your goals from the beginning and stayed on the path.”

“Now, I think a patient support program will help you get personalized care to stay clear.” She adds, “You could also mentor someone who is still struggling.”

"It is very important to connect your doctor and the psoriasis community, so you can get updated and be informed about psoriasis. With the right information, you can make the right decision to meet your goals."

_{– IFPA}

How's
Serena

?

Inspired by her journey, Serena creates a psoriasis social media account and meets new friends in the community, helping those starting out by sharing the importance of talking to your doctor and working together to set management goals. She thinks back and wonders how Valerie is doing.

Now, Serena wants everyone to know that living your best life with psoriasis is possible, by working with your dermatologist to manage psoriasis in a way that’s more than skin deep.

Physical

More individuals, like Serena, who achieve higher levels of complete skin clearance (approximately 90–100% clear) within three to four months of initiating an advanced therapy maintain a higher quality of life after one year versus those individuals achieving partial skin clearance (approximately 75-80% clear).¹⁵

Physical

Emotional

By using her goals as a framework with her dermatologist, Serena was able to get down to business. Timely and successful collaborative management of psoriasis may help limit an individual’s risk for CLCI and improve their life path.^2,3,4

Emotional

Social

As Serena experienced by finding support on social media, connecting with the psoriasis community online and off can have a positive impact on chronic disease.^17,18

Social

Economic

Joining a patient support program can help save Serena money—one study showed 23% lower 12-month medical costs incurred by those in patient support groups than those who were not.¹⁹

Economic

happy holidays!
thx
how are you?
i’m ok. psoriasis still flaring. at least it’s sweater weather, right?
oh no! i am on a different plan to manage my psoriasis and it is making a real difference!
you should try to see a psoriasis specialist—you need to tell them how you feel! my derm is the best, i’ll email you their info
hey, did you ever get the info i sent last week? let me know if it works out!

"So happy you’re coming to the beach day this weekend,” says Serena. “Are we more excited for the soccer game or the bonfire afterwards?"

“Actually, I can’t wait to meet everyone!” Valerie replies. “It’s my first party in a long time.”

No Two People with Psoriasis Have the Same Tale

The impact of someone’s individual psoriasis experience can touch all areas of their life—for their entire life.⁵ Because psoriasis impacts so many different parts an individual’s life, achieving disease management goals, like clear skin, could lead to an improved life path.³⁶ Timely and successful collaborative disease management between an individual and their dermatologist is needed to help limit their risk for increased CLCI—and improve their chances for a happier ending.^2-5,27