From skin to system: Improving outcomes in psoriasis with medical communications
14 August 2025
Approximately 1.3–2.8% of the UK population lives with psoriasis, a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease. While the physical symptoms are often the most visible, the true burden of psoriasis is complex and extends beyond the skin.
Medical communication has a key role in addressing this complexity. By highlighting focus areas and providing healthcare professionals with education, we can help drive better patient outcomes. This includes addressing 3 critical areas:
1. Addressing comorbidities
The systemic nature of psoriasis increases susceptibility to a range of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndromes, and gastrointestinal conditions. Additionally, poorly managed psoriasis can progress to psoriatic arthritis, a painful and debilitating joint disease. Medical communication supports earlier recognition and intervention by educating healthcare professionals on these risks, promoting integrated care approaches, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
2. Managing the psychological impact of psoriasis
The psychological burden of psoriasis is sometimes underestimated. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and social isolation, yet these aspects are not always fully addressed in clinical settings. Medical communications can help shift this narrative by advocating for holistic care models that include mental health screening and support as part of routine management.
3. Getting the right treatments for patient well-being
Access to effective treatments is essential – not just for symptom control, but for overall well-being. From topical therapies to biologics, treatment decisions should be tailored to the individual, considering both clinical needs and patient preference. Medical communications can provide healthcare professionals with the latest evidence and guidelines to make informed, patient-centred choices in a crowded treatment landscape.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a complex disease with considerable impacts on patient health and quality of life. By using medical communications to educate, advocate, and inform, we can help ensure that care goes beyond the skin – addressing comorbidities, supporting mental health, and improving access to the right treatments. Ultimately, we hope this leads to better outcomes for people living with psoriasis.
References:
NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Psoriasis. 2024. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/psoriasis/ (accessed August 2025).
Bu J, et al. Front Immunol. 2022;13:880201. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.880201.
Sahi FM, et al. Cureus. 2020;12(8):e9708. doi:10.7759/cureus.9708.