INFOGRAPHICPSORIASIS

COVID-19 and Psoriasis: Our Members Speak Out

June 04, 2021
INFOGRAPHIC: COVID-19 and Psoriasis What’s on Our Members’ Minds 117 psoriasis community members with psoriasis recently answered our survey about COVID-19. Here’s what they shared. Personal Impact 20% had been diagnosed with COVID-19 since the pandemic began. 35% had experienced COVID-19 symptoms or suspected they had the virus at some point. 77% said they had a family member or friend who’d been diagnosed. “The stress of the pandemic caused me to get psoriasis. I did not have it before.” Mental Health Concerns Community members shared they’ve experienced some tough feelings and difficulties during the pandemic. The most common: Stress 74% Anxiety 63% Sleep difficulties 60% Depression 53% How the Pandemic Affected Psoriasis Symptoms 54% of people reported they had more psoriasis symptoms than usual during the COVID-19 pandemic. 67% said they stayed on the same treatment they were on pre-pandemic. 22% saw their doctor virtually as a result of the pandemic. COVID-19 Vaccines 68.2% are or plan to get vaccinated 22.4% are undecided 8.4% do not plan to get vaccinated 41% of people who responded said they had concerns about getting vaccinated related to their psoriasis. “I’m afraid it will trigger a flare.” “[I worry] that my body won’t respond well to the vaccine due to my immune system already being in overdrive.” Making Changes Our members have made plenty of changes to their day-to-day. Most common adjustments were: • Wearing a face mask while in public • Washing or sanitizing hands more frequently • Keeping 6 feet of distance from people outside their household • Avoiding public or crowded places “I’ve been practicing more yoga classes on Zoom and taking more walks. Positive things!”