Abstract
The chronic, inflammatory skin disorder hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is associated well documented negative influences on patients’ quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to present more robust data on patients’ QoL impairment by demographic data and its correlation with well-known HS risk factors on a cohort of 1795 German patients. The instrument used for measuring QoL in this study was the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Overall, patients reported a very large effect of HS on their QoL (mean DLQI: 13.2 ± 8.1 points), and 22% of the analyzed population even reported to consider the effect as extremely large. Women tended to experience significantly higher impairment than men (p < 0.001). QoL impairment correlated positively with pain (r = 0.581, p < 0.001), HS severity (measured by the International Hidradenitis Suppurativa Severity Score System (IHS4)) as well as Hurley. Neck involvement tended to decrease QoL significantly more than any other location (14.7 ± 8.3 points). This study confirms the enormous influence of HS on patients’ QoL in a large cohort. Knowledge of QoL impairment in such patients is crucial for proper understanding and holistic management of this disease.
Highlights
IntroductionDue to its visibility, is an important organ for proper psychological functioning
Published: 8 January 2021Healthy skin, due to its visibility, is an important organ for proper psychological functioning
Chronic skin disorders, which are believed to cause a significant decrease in quality of life, include, among others, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa
Summary
Due to its visibility, is an important organ for proper psychological functioning. Chronic disorders of the skin can have a devastating effect on the private and professional lives of those affected. Among the psychological problems resulting from chronic skin disorders, stigmatization, feelings of embarrassment, low self-esteem, stress, anger, shame and depression are reported most frequently [1]. Many studies confirm that visible skin disease may lead to suffering from bullying, sleep impairment and a decline in academic or work performance [2,3]. Chronic skin disorders, which are believed to cause a significant decrease in quality of life, include, among others, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Due to the affectation of multiple body areas, foul smell, purulent discharge and associated pain and/or pruritus, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)
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