Dermatological quality of life instruments in children

The interest to the health related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with dermatologic conditions is growing and it was studied in children with different dermatologic diseases. Generic, dermatology-specific and disease-specific instruments can be used to measure HRQoL in pediatric dermatology. In most cases HRQoL questionnaires to be used in adult population are inappropriate for children. With the help of illustrations and interview forms children are able to assess their HRQoL from the age of 4-5 years. In smaller children proxy ratings can be used. The dermatology-specific instrument Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) is the most frequently used HRQoL instrument for children with different skin conditions. There is lack of validated dermatology-specific HRQoL proxy instrument to be used in children under 4 years and disease-specific instruments for many skin diseases. Most of the disease-specific HRQoL instruments created especially for children with skin diseases are atopic dermatitis-specific. The assessment of HRQoL in pediatric dermatology helps to assess the impact of single skin disease on child's life, to register patients' view on the efficacy of different treatment methods, educational programs and consultations. It makes possible to compare the impact of skin diseases and results of the treatment in children from different age groups on local, regional, national and international levels. It is used by pharmaceutical industry in clinical trials of new drugs and by health service authorities in national standards.