Persons with psoriasis are often inadequately prepared for the kind of impact that the skin condition can have on their health. According to a new study conducted by Psoriasis in America 2016, patients often feel helpless because there is no complete cure for psoriasis, and patients do not believe that the existing treatments are beneficial.
In the study, more than 500 respondents who suffered from psoriasis admitted that although they had access to a wide variety of treatment options to treat their condition, they were unable to find treatments that worked specifically for their condition. Symptoms of psoriasis are inconsistent. The condition can change over time, and symptoms can flare or become less severe. Treatments, as a result, simply become less effective over a period of time.
Most of the respondents in the study were using treatments that included corticosteroids, topical treatments, and phototherapy or light therapy. Only about a quarter of the participants were using newer medicines for the treatment of psoriasis. An overwhelming majority of the patients admitted that they often felt embarrassed or humiliated by the condition, and admitted that they wished others would understand how difficult it is to live with this condition.
The Social Security Administration does not have an exclusive listing for psoriasis, but does allow patients to recover benefits under the Dermatitis listing. If your psoriasis is so severe that it prevents you from working and earning a sustainable income, you may be eligible for disability benefits. However, you must be able to provide evidence that your symptoms are so severe that they completely impede your ability to work.