The idea that social support networks can positively influence health has been well-documented. Face-to-face support groups and group therapy arose in the early 1900s as a means of providing psychological encouragement, and more recently online social networks have become available. Web-based disease representation is rapidly expanding, and virtual groups are now available for patients with psoriasis. Although these networks currently offer many helpful resources to patients and provide a medium by which individuals can communicate, they may also help to optimize psoriasis management and improve adherence to medications. These online communities may also provide a means of collecting data for research. As an adjunct to clinical management with numerous benefits, online forums will likely continue to gain popularity within the psoriasis community.
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