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A postal questionnaire was sent to 291 members of the Psoriasis Association eliciting 186 responses (41-4*'" male and 58-6*'o female).The respondents report psychological and social difficulties as a consequence of psoriasis, but also emphasize physical discomfort. Dissatisfaction was expressed concerning aspects of the available treatment regimes and the doctor-patient relationship.

Conflicts of interest exist in dermatology when professional judgement concerning a primary interest, such as research validity, may be influenced by a secondary interest, such as financial gain from a for-profit organization. Conflict of interest is a condition and not a behaviour, although there is clear evidence that gifts influence behaviour. Little has been written about conflicts of interest in dermatology. This series of papers raises awareness of the subject by exploring it in greater depth from the perspective of a dermatology researcher, an industry researcher, a dermatology journal editor, a health services researcher and a patient representative. Collectively, they illustrate the many ways in which conflicts can pervade the world of dermatology publications and patient support group activities.