Document Type : Original Article
Researcher
Allameh Tabatabai University
Ministerial Ethics Committee
Chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, pemphigus, and lichen planus—beyond their physical and physiological consequences—are often accompanied by significant psychological and social impacts that can deeply affect patients’ quality of life. These conditions are typically progressive, recurring, and long-lasting, leading to not only physical discomfort but also challenges in patients’ social interactions, family relationships, work life, and self-perception. Despite this, most existing studies have focused primarily on the biomedical and treatment aspects of these illnesses, with limited attention to patients' lived experiences from psychosocial perspectives.
This qualitative research, using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, aims to explore and understand the lived experiences of individuals diagnosed with chronic skin diseases, specifically focusing on the psychological and social consequences of the condition. The main objective is to identify how patients perceive changes in various aspects of their lives after diagnosis, as well as how they cope with the challenges and social responses associated with their illness.
The study population will consist of adult patients affected by one of the three aforementioned chronic skin conditions. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews, allowing for in-depth exploration of participants’ experiences. The findings of this study may serve as a foundation for designing psychosocial interventions—particularly in the field of social work in health settings—and contribute to enhancing the quality of supportive services provided to individuals with chronic dermatological conditions.