28% of people with psoriasis have some type of genital involvement.

A survey conducted by the patient association Acción Psoriasis and the biotechnology company Amgen highlights significant gaps in the management of psoriatic disease, which includes both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The study, conducted on more than 1,000 affected individuals (primarily women over the age of 40), emphasizes the urgent need for a broader and multidisciplinary approach, considering not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional, sexual, and social dimensions of the disease.

One of the most striking findings of the survey is the lack of attention given to patients' sexual health. A 28% report having genital involvement, but 78% say they have never been asked about their sexual life in consultations. This lack of communication highlights an intimate dimension of the disease that remains taboo. "Psoriasis is much more than a skin condition: it affects mental well-being, sexual life, self-perception, and multiple organs," states Santiago Alfonso, director of Acción Psoriasis.

The study also reveals a significant emotional impact. 21% of respondents acknowledge having mental health issues, and 38% have received psychological support at some point. However, among those who have accessed this type of support, more than a third feel misunderstood and poorly served. Meanwhile, among those who have never sought psychological help, nearly half believe they would need it.

The discrepancies between clinical criteria and patient perception are another highlighted conclusion. Although most cases are medically classified as mild (based on the extent of body surface area affected), 57% of patients perceive their disease as moderate or severe, reflecting a more complex and painful subjective experience than clinical classifications suggest.

"This survey underscores the urgency of providing coordinated care that considers all these aspects, especially since patients treated in multidisciplinary units show a higher degree of satisfaction with the care received," adds Alfonso. The study advocates for a care model that combines medical specialization with psychological and social support, to address the full range of patient needs.

Cardiometabolic comorbidities are also common among people with psoriatic disease. A 28% have associated conditions such as obesity, dyslipidemia, or fatty liver, adding complexity to clinical management and reinforcing the idea of a systemic approach.