Impact of psoriasis on quality of life in Taiwan

Abstract

Abstract Background/Objective Psoriasis, a disturbing dermatological disorder, often results in ongoing disease and disability. However, relatively little has been published quantifying the quality of life (QoL) of patients with psoriasis in Taiwan. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of psoriasis on the QoL of patients and to explore determinant factors. Methods A total of 200 patients, 100 patients with psoriasis and 100 patients with general skin diseases, were asked to fulfill a QoL questionnaire modified from Skindex-16 to include an additional five items pertaining to occupational impact. The clinical data were collected and the severity of psoriasis was evaluated with the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score. The data were examined to ascertain factors that impact the QoL in patients with psoriasis. Results Compared with patients with common skin disorders, patients with psoriasis experienced a deterioration of their QoL in the aspects of symptoms, emotions, daily life function and occupational scales. After further analysis, we noted that neither the severity of disease, duration of disease, age of patients, sex, educational level of patients, nor family history is the determinant factor that worsens their QoL. Instead, the site of the lesions, especially those on exposed areas including hand and facial involvement, has a tremendous impact on their QoL. Conclusion Psoriasis has an appreciable effect on QoL, especially when it affects the hands and face. Of the four scales included in our study, the daily life function and occupational scales revealed the greatest effect. The sense of stigma may be the key factor that results in this outcome. To improve the QoL and therapeutic effects, a team needs to be constructed which includes dermatologists, psychologists, social workers, and help from the government is needed to accomplish the task.