Impact of Some Common Chronic Dermatoses on Quality of Life of Egyptian Patients in Delta Region

Abstract

Background: Skin is the most visible organ which determines to a great extent our appearance and plays a major function in social communication and sexual attractiveness. Thus, the skin condition may have a considerable impact on the patient's well being. Regardless of the psychiatric morbidity, skin diseases can greatly affect the patient's quality of life (QOL). Thus, patient oriented QOL measures are particularly beneficial in chronic diseases as they assess how the diseases affect a person socially, psychologically and physically. Objectives: The aim of this work was to determine the impact of some chronic dermatoses (acne vulgaris, psoriasis (Ps) and vitiligo) on QOL among the patients in the Delta region. Patients and Methods: The current study comprised 120 patients who were classified into three groups; each group contained 40 patients, (group I acne vulgaris), (group II Ps) and (group III vitiligo). All these patients were subjected to: combined dermatological and psychological questionnaires to assess the QOL. Results: (Group I): As regard Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) score; the social relationships and psychological states problems showed statistically significant difference compared with the subjective assessment of the current acne severity. (Group II): As regard Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) score; the psychological, daily activities and social relationships problems showed statistically significant difference compared with physical and work or school problems. (Group III): As regard Vitiligo Disability Index (VDI) score; the daily activities and social relationships problems showed statistically significant difference compared with feeling and symptoms, personal relationships and financial problems. In the current study, we found that the acne vulgaris as a disease has the worst QOL . Egyptian Dermatology Online Journal Vol. 10 No 1: 2, June 2014 2 http://www.edoj.org.eg Conclusion: The dermatologists should understand the profound effect of these diseases on the QOL and should know the psychosocial and psychiatric consequences of the diseases.