Abstract
Introduction: The impact of psoriasis vulgaris on physical activity and vacation plans of patients in Poland was studied. The negative impact of psoriasis on these areas of patients’ lives is a complex issue. It includes, among others, psychological aspects, resulting primarily from the reluctance to publicly display skin lesions, as well as physical limitations related to the disease, such as itching or joint pain. The symptoms, causes, and frequency of the negative impact of psoriasis on patients’ rest and physical activity were analyzed. The impact of psoriasis was also assessed in the context of disease advancement.
The aim of the study was to analyze the symptoms, causes, and frequency of the negative impact of psoriasis vulgaris on the forms of physical activity and relaxation of patients.
Materials and methods: The research material included 150 adult patients, recruited at the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, burdened with psoriasis vulgaris with the presence of active skin lesions. The study was based on questionnaires, including both the author’s survey and validated tools.
Results: More than half of the patients observed a negative impact of psoriasis on vacation plans and physical activity, mainly due to the presence of visible skin lesions. Among other bothersome symptoms of psoriasis during rest and physical activity, patients most frequently mentioned itching, discomfort, and burning sensations associated with the location of disease lesions in the skin folds, as well as joint pain. The methods of antipsoriatic treatment used and the costs associated with them were also important for patients. A correlation was observed between the degree of psoriasis advancement and its adverse effect on patients’ rest and physical activity.
Conclusions: Psoriasis vulgaris, particularly the presence of skin lesions in exposed areas and a more advanced form of the disease, adversely affects the ways in which patients spend their holidays and engage in physical activity. The reluctance to expose skin lesions is the greatest limitation for patients in undertaking physical and recreational activities. In the context of the systemic nature of psoriasis, it is important to draw patients’ attention to the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, including physical activity and rest.