Quality of Life in Psoriasis Patients and Its Correlation with Disease Severity

Background & Objective:  Psoriasis is a chronic and relapsing disease with a prevalence of 2%. Since it is a chronic and non-fatal skin disease, its impact on quality of life in patients is underestimated compared to other diseases. This study points out to the importance of the quality of life in these patients and their correlation with disease severity. Materials & Methods:  Quality of life of psoriasis patients was assessed by using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and psoriasis severity was measured, using Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). DLQI were compared regarding age, gender and affected areas in patients. Results:  Among 135 patients, 67 (49.6%) were male and 68 (50.4%) were female. The mean age of subjects was 41.49±15.43 years (ranging from 17 to 83 years). The mean DLQI score was 10.73±7.3 (ranging from 0 to 26). Independent t-test showed that the mean DLQI score was significantly greater in women than men (P=0.031) Spearman test showed positive correlation between DLQI and age as well as PASI and DLQI. Conclusion:  Results of this study showed a positive and significant correlation between PASI score and quality of life of patients, which implies that with increasing the severity of the disease, the effect of psoriasis on patients' quality of life increases as well.