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| ==Overview== | | ==Overview== |
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| The quality of life is an important factor in evaluating the severity of [[psoriasis]]. There are many treatments available, though the chronic, recurrent nature of psoriasis makes it a challenge to treat.
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| ==Social Impact==
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| ===Effect on the Quality of Life===
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| Psoriasis has been shown to affect health-related quality of life to an extent similar to the effects of other chronic diseases such as [[clinical depression|depression]], [[myocardial infarction]], [[hypertension]], [[congestive heart failure]] or [[type 2 diabetes]]. Depending on the severity and location of outbreaks, individuals may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Itching and pain can interfere with basic functions, such as self-care, [[walking]], and [[sleep]]. Plaques on [[hands]] and [[foot|feet]] can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations, playing some sports, and caring for family members or a home. The frequency of medical care is costly and can interfere with an employment or school schedule.
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| Individuals with psoriasis may also feel self-conscious about their appearance and have a poor self-image that stems from fear of public rejection and psychosexual concerns. Psychological distress can lead to significant [[clinical depression|depression]] and [[social isolation]].
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| ==="The Heartbreak of Psoriasis"===
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| [[Image:Tegrin1964.jpg|left|thumb|100px|1964 Tegrin advertisement]]
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| The phrase "the heartbreak of psoriasis" is often used both seriously and ironically to describe the emotional impact of the disease. It may include both the effect of having a chronic uncomfortable disorder and the social effects of being self conscious of one's appearance. The term can be found in various advertisements for topical and other treatments; conversely, it has been used to mock the tendency of advertisers to exaggerate (or even fabricate) aspects of a malady for financial gain. While many products today use the phrase in their advertising, it originated in a 1960s advertising campaign for Tegrin, a [[coal tar]]-based ointment.
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