Impact of acne and psoriasis on patient's quality of life: A multicentre study from health-care centers in Wardha district

Abstract

Background: Acne and psoriasis are important chronic skin diseases which may impair quality of life (QOL) of a patient. The dermatology life quality index (DLQI) is a questionnaire specially designed to assess the QOL in the patients with skin diseases. Aims and Objectives: This study was designed to analyze the DLQI for acne and psoriasis in rural health care centers. Materials and Methods: A multicenter, questionnaire-based prospective study was conducted with patients attending the outpatient department of 32 Health-Care Centers of Wardha District. 148 patients of acne and 38 patients of psoriasis were screened, out of which 120 patients of acne and 35 patients of psoriasis were analyzed for DLQI. Results: The mean DLQI score in psoriasis was 13.11, and DLQI score in acne was 7.17. In acne patients, question 2 which concerned embarrassment had the highest DLQI score while question 9, about sexual difficulties had the lowest mean DLQI score. In psoriasis patients, the highest DLQI scores were seen in Question 1(physical symptoms) and lowest DLQI scores in Question 7 (working or studying). Conclusion: Acne has a moderate effect on QOL while psoriasis has very large effect on QOL.