Quality of life and dermatology are important topics to us. We partner with dermatologists from all over the United States to treat patients just like you. At Paragon, we know that each of our dermatologic patients faces a unique set of obstacles related to their condition, symptoms, and therapy. Nationwide, over 100 million people live with a skin disease – but to us, you are not just a number. We see the challenges you face and are here to provide clinical resources to best support you where you’re at on your journey. Our goal is to help you overcome hurdles related to your health, comfort, and happiness in order to improve your overall quality of life.

What is Quality of Life?

"Quality of Life" is defined as the standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group. The CDC states, “Health is more than the absence of disease; it is a resource that allows people to realize their aspirations, satisfy their needs, and to cope with the environment to live a long, productive, and fruitful life.”

Quality of life asks questions like, “Do you perceive that your life is going well?” This question must consider your joy and grief, housing, employment, relationships, and overall sense of well-being. These factors are not easy to measure since well-being is a subjective concept, but these areas are critical to painting a picture of your quality of life.

What types of challenges do dermatologic patients face?

No two patients are the same, and neither is their experience with a dermatologic condition. We know that a child’s experience varies from that of a teen or young adult, and a parent of a child has a vastly different set of challenges from an elderly patient with a similar condition. When you come on our service to treat your dermatologic condition, our team considers multiple lifestyle factors when building your customized plan. We partner with your physician and you to ensure you have a care plan tailored to your specific needs.

Many patients with a skin condition have reported the following:

• Feeling discomfort related to symptoms of their skin condition. Many dermatologic conditions can cause pain and discomfort for the patient. Each situation is different, but many patients may experience swelling, inflammation, skin irritation, and more. These symptoms can potentially interfere with how a patient feels throughout the day, making it essential to find positive ways to manage symptoms and the condition itself.
• Experiencing insensitive questions or judgment from people who don’t understand their skin condition. Although many health conditions are seemingly invisible, dermatologic conditions present on the skin and may be more evident to other people. Patients with skin conditions are just like everyone else; they want to be loved and accepted by others, not made to feel different. It can be helpful to learn how to share with others about the myths and facts related to your condition to help them better understand. Education and awareness about a health condition can relieve the confusion and fear of others.
• Feelings of isolation or frustration. It’s easy to feel alone or frustrated when dealing with an acute or chronic health condition – but our team here at Paragon is ready to support you every step of the way. You are not alone. We are here to help provide you with clinical resources, education, and more so that you can successfully manage your condition.
• Feeling discouraged through the process of finding a therapy that works. Learning what works best for a patient takes time. This can be challenging, especially when it would be ideal to have immediate results when trying a new therapy. Our team will work with each patient and their physician to navigate finding the best regimen for the individual.

There is hope, though. Our heart is to see you thrive in life and reach each goal you set for yourself, big or small. There are multiple online resources, community support groups, specialty therapies, and helpful information available. Whether you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or atopic dermatitis, we’re here to provide the infusible and injectable therapies needed to manage your symptoms and condition. Together with your physician, caregivers, and family, we believe you can live your life to its fullest.

What resources are available to dermatologic patients?

• American Academy of Dermatology Association – “Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 20,500 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair, and nails.”
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) – “NORD, a 501(c)(3) organization, is a patient advocacy organization dedicated to individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.  NORD, along with its more than 300 patient organization members, is committed to the identification, treatment, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and patient services.”
• Texas Dermatological Society – “The Texas Dermatological Society was formed more than ninety years ago to promote and advance the science and art of medicine pertaining to diseases of the skin. The purposes of this Society are scientific and educational: to promote and advance the science and art of medicine appertaining to diseases of the skin, to promote the highest possible standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatological medicine and surgery, to encourage the study of social and economic problems particular to the field of dermatology, to exercise all powers and assume all obligations necessary or incident thereto.”
• American Osteopathic College of Dermatology – “The AOCD was recognized in 1958 as a Specialty College of the American Osteopathic Association. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology has grown tremendously over the last five decades to become a strong and influential specialty college. Our presence is well established in academic and clinical settings throughout the United States, as well as in the many political arenas. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology is dedicated to promoting the practice of osteopathic dermatology on a national level.”
• Medical Dermatology Society – “Members of the Medical Dermatology Society (MDS) represent the heart and soul of our specialty: Medical Dermatology. The MDS is made up of the thought leaders of clinical dermatology and the teachers of the next generation of practicing dermatologists. Our members include academicians, private practitioners, and resident physicians. We specialize in the care of patients with serious dermatologic diseases. Our mission is to improve the care of patients with these conditions.”
• American Skin Association – “A unique collaboration of patients, families, advocates, physicians, and scientists, American Skin Association has evolved over the past three decades as a leading force in efforts to defeat melanoma, skin cancer, and disease. Established to serve the now more than 100 million Americans — one-third of the U.S. population — afflicted with skin disorders, the organization's mission remains to advance research, champion skin health — particularly among children, and drive public awareness about skin disease.”
• National Psoriasis Foundation – “The mission of the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) is to drive efforts to cure psoriatic disease and improve the lives of those affected. Today, more than 50 years later, NPF is the leading national nonprofit organization supporting research on psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and advocating for the needs of the psoriatic disease community. NPF is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with community divisions and volunteers across the U.S.”

As the healthcare industry shifts to focusing on dermatologic patients’ experience, physicians and providers alike are recognizing that happy and healthy patients are the sum total of a positive physical, mental, and emotional state. Quality of life is a term used to encompass more than just a patient’s physical symptoms from their health condition. Our goal is to empower you to take charge of your health by learning practical ways to manage your condition.

For more information about Paragon Healthcare, visit https://paragonhealthcare.com/.