Perceptions and Lived Experiences of Individuals with Autoimmune Skin Conditions

Abstract

Chronic skin conditions consist of many physical and psychosocial challenges that influence individual’s overall wellbeing and daily life. A qualitative inquiry was carried out to explore how do individuals living with chronic skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, acne) describe their coping strategies and overall QoL. Using a qualitative approach of IPA, participants with chronic skin conditions were asked to share the psychological and sociocultural issues faced by them. In Pakistan, treatment cost, disease burden, stigma, discrimination and appearance related concerns are some of the serious problems causing distress in these individuals. The study comprised of participants including 12 individuals (4=psoriasis, 4=eczema, 4=acne) were recruited through maximum variation sampling from the dermatological units in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The transcripts were coded and themes were derived that revealed 9 emerging themes including; emotional distress, impact on daily life, self-perception/self-image, coping/adaptation, support systems, treatment/management and awareness/education. Almost all individuals reported the need to dispute myths associated with skin conditions, such as spreading disease by touch and communicable or contagious disease.