Publication:

Dermatological life quality index in psoriasis out patients: the changing trend

Background Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by remissions and exacerbations, having great impact on social and psychological aspects. From mild plaque psoriasis to more severe pustular and erythrodermic forms with or without joint involvement, is known to have a negative impact on QOL (Quality of Life). Appropriate treatment will improve both disease outcome and QOL in patients. The objective of the study was to assess QOL in psoriasis patient of different age group, type, duration and severity of disease, and their response to this assessment.

Methods A cross sectional study was done with pretested DLQI questionnaire on 101 psoriasis patients, in a government hospital. Interpretation of score and impact on QOL was done and graded as mild, moderate, considerable, severe and very severe.

Results In our study, females outnumbered males with male female ratio of 1:1.5. The mean age 39.56±16.029 years. No significant association was noted between grade of affection and demographic variants. Most of them had moderate impact on QOL. QOL was worst affected in patients <5 years of disease duration. 85% of the patients felt happy & 15% felt neutral on being evaluated by this questionnaire.

Conclusions It is suggested that DLQI is assessed in all new/patients with less than 5 years of disease. Appropriate systemic/photo therapy to be initiated even in mild disease if there is negative impact on the QOL. Assessment of QOL strengthens the doctor-patient rapport and improves better patient adherence to therapy and achieves faster and better control of the disease.