Psoriasis Treatment in Dermatological Practice Improves Quality of Life - Results of a Naturalistic Multi-Centre Study

Background: Psoriasis vulgaris is associated with severe reductions of health-related quality of life (QoL). There are few investigations adressing the efficacy of dermatological standard treatment under practice conditions. Objective: Evaluation of the QoL in a nationwide out-patient sample of patients with psoriasis vulgaris in the course of treatment under practice conditions. Methods: Prospective, multicenter QoL study in dermatologic practices and outpatient services on adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis of moderate or severe degree. There were no regulations for treatment. QoL was evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the EQ-5D and EQ-5D visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: The average DLQI total score was markedly increased at 8,9. Limitations in QoL were especially due to pain/physical trouble and to anxiety/depression. Especially patients with sensitive skin areas affected (face or genital region) showed impairment of Qol. Six weeks after the first consultation QoL had markedly improved. In the same period, the psoriasis improved clinically, as assessed by the global patient assessment. Conclusions: Qualified dermatological treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis under practice conditions leads to signficant improvements of QoL.