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

Received: December 20, 2016; Accepted: January 23, 2017 ABSTRACT Background: Acne and psoriasis are important chronic skin diseases which may impair quality of life (QOL) of a patient. 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. Acne; Psoriasis; Dermatology Life Quality Index INTRODUCTION Skin diseases are a major health problem in the primary health-care settings. In clinical practice, patient's life is impacted by dermatological disorders related to most appropriate treatment for that patient and may enhance compliance. [11] Although it is considered to be merely a cosmetic problem, it is associated with a considerable psychological impairment which is comparable with certain chronic diseases such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, and arthritis. [14,15] Psoriasis is a common, chronic and noninfectious skin disease characterized by well-defined slightly raised, dry erythematous macules with silvery scales and typical extensor distribution. [16] In various studies, clinical severity assessment of psoriasis has been demonstrated along with quantification of the impact of disease on QOL provide a measure of the clinical efficacy of the dermatological therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted with patients attending the outpatient department of 32 HealthCare Centers of...