Socioeconomic Impact in People with Lupus Skin Disease

Income has a proportionate connection to quality of life for people with lupus skin disease (also known as cutaneous lupus). Persons with an annual income of less than $10,000 USD are more likely to experience social isolation, embarrassment, anger and feel self-conscious about their skin more often than people with skin disease of higher income status.

A group of 238 people with lupus self-reported their annual income and responded to research questions. Based on their responses, those with income levels less than $10,000 a year who were female, less than 40 years old, smokers or exhibited more frequent skin disease activity had lower quality of life.

Socioeconomic status is known to be associated with poorer quality of life. A healthy lifestyle with routine access to medical care and treatment is important to lower lupus disease activity and better outcomes. Learn more about financial assistance for healthcare and common questions about skin conditions when living with lupus.

Read the study