Non-venereal genital dermatoses and their impact on quality of life—A cross-sectional study

Background: Lesions on the external genitalia could be venereal or non-venereal. Non-venereal genital dermatoses are common and may cause considerable anxiety to patients, particularly if noticed after sexual intercourse. However, this aspect has not been studied much till now. Objectives: Our study proposes to describe the profile of non-venereal genital dermatoses and determine their impact on quality of life both social and sexual, using the dermatology life quality index questionnaire. Methods: We recruited patients aged 18 years and above, who were diagnosed to have non-venereal genital dermatoses during the study period. A detailed history was obtained and clinical examination done with relevant investigations when necessary. The dermatology life quality index was assessed and graded in all patients using Finlay dermatology life quality index questionnaire. Results: A total of 293 patients with non-venereal genital dermatoses were seen and 25 different dermatoses were observed. Men 242(82.6%) outnumbered women. The commonest age group affected was 31–50 years 144(50%). Chronic inflammatory dermatoses 135(41.6%) constituted the majority of cases. Scrotal dermatitis 46(15.7%), lichen simplex chronicus 37(12.6%), vitiligo 31(10.6%) were seen most frequently. In the study group, 111(37.9%) patients had moderate and 133(45.4%) had large impact on the quality of life. Erectile dysfunction was seen in 48(19.8%) men and 9(3.7%) had premature ejaculation. A significant effect on dermatology life quality index was found with increasing age (P = 0.007), positive marital status (P = 0.006), history of unprotected sex (P < 0.001), history of recurrences (P = 0.002) and venereophobia. (P = 0.008). Limitations: The number of women in the study group was less compared to men and we could not ascertain the type of sexual dysfunction in them. Conclusion: Non-venereal genital dermatoses are common, more so among men. They have a significant impact on the quality of life of the individual. Recognizing and addressing this problem will help in managing these patients effectively.

Dermatology life quality index in psoriasis patients attending a tertiary care hospital: a study from North India

Background: Psoriasis affects nearly 1% of the world population. It can be a source of significant morbidity and psychological stress to the patient but is not lethal under ordinary circumstances. Patients suffering from the disease feel a lack of empathy on part of care-givers, family members, healthcare professionals as well as society in general. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) is a questionnaire-based assessment of health related quality of life in patients suffering from skin disorders and has been seen to correlate well with the impact of the disease on a patient. This study was done to understand the impact of psoriasis on the overall well-being of patients using DLQI as the tool of assessment.Methods: The study included 40 cases of psoriasis that were assessed for the severity of the disease based on percentage body surface area involvement. The impact of disease severity and other factors on the quality of life of the patient was assessed using DLQI.Results: Out of 35 patients with BSA involvement <50% (mild and moderate disease), 28.6% (n=10/35) showed a very large or extremely large effect on the quality of life while no patient with a BSA involvement >50% (severe and very severe disease) reported the same. A small, moderate or no effect on the DLQI was seen in 71.4% (n=25/35) of cases from the mild and moderate disease group while 100% (n=5/5) of cases from severe and very severe disease group reported a similar effect. Thus, DLQI was not directly related to the extent of BSA involvement and was dependent on other factors as well.Conclusion: Age had a correlation with the effect of the disease on the quality of life of psoriasis cases. Patients who were younger were more likely to report stress and anxiety related to the recurrences seen with the disease. Patients with lesions on sites that are socially exposed like face, hands, scalp, etc. were more likely to feel embarrassed about their condition. Younger age, female gender, lesions on exposed sites and recently diagnosed patients (<12 months) were factors which had a significant impact on the health-related quality of life of patients. The severity of disease and extent of involvement were not always directly related to extent of impact on the quality of life.

A study of effectiveness and safety of topical combination therapy for acne vulgaris patients in dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Acne vulgaris is a dermatological disorder characterised by formation of comedones and inflammatory lesions. Acne is one of the most common reason for visiting a dermatologist in early adulthood. The current line of management for mild to moderate acne is topical medications with antimicrobials and retinoids. The present study assessed the effectiveness and safety of topical combination therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.Methods: An observational, prospective and comparative study conducted on newly diagnosed acne vulgaris patients who were treated with topical combination therapy. Changes in the total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts, investigator global assessment (IGA) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) scales were recorded to check effectiveness. Treatment emergent adverse events were recorded in suspected ADR reporting form for safety assessment.Results: Participants (n=97) were treated with three topical combination treatments either clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide (group-A), clindamycin-adapalene (group-B) or benzoyl peroxide-adapalene (group C). Majority of participants (42.3%) were treated with clindamycin-benzoyl peroxide group. Reduction from baseline of total, inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesion counts were highly significant within group comparison (p<0.001), but between group differences were not significant. Significant improvement in DLQI and IGA scores were noted in all three groups, but between group comparison showed no significant differences. All three groups were safe and well tolerated and equally improve participant’s quality of life.Conclusions: all three topical combination drugs for mild acne vulgaris had similar effectiveness in terms of reduction in acne lesions with similar safety profile.

A study to assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from tinea corporis attending dermatology OPD of a tertiary care centre of Eastern India

Background: A huge number of patients in our country are affected by Tinea Corporis (TC). The number of patients affected by dermatophytosis has increased by a large extent in the last 4 to 5 years. The quality of life in TC patients can be affected by various factors including the disease morbidity, duration of disease, social & demographic factors. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to find out the effect of TC on the quality of life of the affected patients & along with that to assess whether there is some association of this effect on quality of life with some demographic & clinical factors. Methods: The effect on quality of life of 328 patients affected by TC who attended the Dermatology outpatient’s department of NRS Medical College was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. Results: 12 (3.658 %) of the patients had an extremely large effect on quality of life. There was a very large effect on the QOL of 121 (36.890 %) patients. There was moderate effect on 134 (40.853 %) of the patients. There was a small effect on 59 (17.987 %) of the patients. 2 (0.609 %) patients had no effect on their QOL. Duration of disease & body surface area involved have significant impacts on QOL. Conclusion: The quality of life is adversely affected by TC. Early detection & treatment of the disease is very important. Steps must be taken to increase awareness about the disease among the general population.

Ayurvedic Management Of Plaque Psoriasis- A Case Study

Psoriasis is a chronic, multisystem inflammatory disease with predominantly skin and joint involvement. In Ayurveda all skin diseases are described under the umbrella of Kushtha. Ayurvedic system of medicine is giving good results in management of Psoriasis. Repeated Samshodhana (purificatory therapies) along with Samshamana (palliative therapies) is the main line of treatment if skin diseases in Ayurveda. Three assessments were taken before and after treatment on scoring of Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) and PASI score. Score of the patient was 63.3% before treatment and 13.3% after treatment and 3.3% after follow up on Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), 44.4% before treatment and 15.5% after treatment and 5.3% after follow up on Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) and 24.5% before treatment, 5.1% after treatment and 1.2% after follow up in PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index). This case study wants to substantiate the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatment in the management of Plaque psoriasis.

Assessment of Quality of Life in Patients Reporting with Dermatological Conditions to a Primary Healthcare Setting in Goa, India.

Introduction: Patients reporting with skin ailments to primaryhealthcare settings are often referred to specialty centreseither due to uncertainty in diagnosing skin conditions by thehealthcare professionals or because of incomplete treatmentoffered to the patients at this level of healthcare. Objectives:1.To assess the quality of life among adults reporting withskin diseases to a Primary healthcare setting. 2.To identify thetypes of skin diseases that required referral to specialty clinics.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study wasconducted at an Urban Health Centre in Goa between July2018 and September 2018 among 150 consenting patientsaged 18 years and above reporting with skin ailments. Datawere collected by administering a pre-tested semi-structuredquestionnaire and the Quality of Life was assessed using theDermatology Life Quality Index. Data was summarised usingfrequencies and percentages for demographic characteristics,The DLQI was scored as per the method recommended bythe developers. Chi-Square test was used to determine theassociation among study variables. A P<0.05 was consideredstatistically significant.Results: Mean DLQI score in this study was 6.67 ± 4.147indicating a small to moderate effect of skin diseases onpatient’s QoL. Mean DLQI score of Symptoms/Feelingsdomain was 2.94 ± 1.475 out of a maximum score of six,followed by domains like Daily activities (1.12 ± 1.197) andWork/School (1.06 ± 1.148) respectively.Conclusion: A small to moderate impact on QoL was observedamong patients with skin conditions. This study suggests aneed for special training in the management of common skindiseases for healthcare professionals at primary healthcaresettings, at the same time adding the necessary medicationsused for the treatment of these common skin conditions tothe inventory of essential drugs maintained at this level ofhealthcare.

The Impact of Skin Problems on the Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Anticancer Agents: A Cross-Sectional Study / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: Patients treated with anticancer agents often experience a variety of treatment-related skin problems, which can impair their quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and clinical information were evaluated in patients under active anticancer treatment using a questionnaire survey and their medical records review. RESULTS: Of 375 evaluated subjects with anticancer therapy, 136 (36.27%) and 114 (30.40%) were treated for breast cancer and colorectal cancer, respectively. We found that women, breast cancer, targeted agent use, and longer duration of anticancer therapy were associated with higher dermatology-specific quality of life distraction. In addition, itching, dry skin, easy bruising, pigmentation, papulopustules on face, periungual inflammation, nail changes, and palmoplantar lesions were associated with significantly higher DLQI scores. Periungual inflammation and palmoplantar lesions scored the highest DLQI. CONCLUSION: We believe our findings can be helpful to clinicians in counseling and managing the patients undergoing anticancer therapy.

Assessment of the Quality of Life in Korean Patients with Vitiligo / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a chronic disfiguring dermatosis and can cause significant psychosocial burden that affects quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the QOL in patients with vitiligo and healthy controls by using general and dermatology-specific (DLQI) questionnaires: World Health Organization QOL Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) and Dermatology QOL Index (DLQI), respectively. METHODS: Vitiligo patients and healthy controls (104 of each) were recruited, all of whom completed the WHOQOL-BREF and DLQI. Total scores and scores of domains of the WHOQOL-BREF and DLQI in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The scores of total DLQI and categories of symptoms and feelings, daily activities, and leisure of vitiligo patients were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (p<0.05). The QOL score and domains of physical, psychological health, and social relationships of the WHOQOL-BREF in patients with vitiligo were decreased compared with those in healthy controls (p<0.05). Clinical characteristics, including disease duration, treatment duration, vitiligo area, exposed site, self-reported severity, treatment unsatisfaction, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory showed significant impairment in the QOL of vitiligo patients according to the DLQI and WHOQOL-BREF (p<0.05). High disease activity and Koebner's phenomenon showed a negative correlation with QOL in patients with vitiligo according to the DLQI only (p<0.05). There was no association between the total DLQI and the QOL scores. CONCLUSION: In our study, QOL in patients with vitiligo was poorer than that of healthy controls. The severity of depression and anxiety was the most important predictor of QOL. Therefore, in managing patients with vitiligo, it is important for the dermatologist to consider the psychological aspects of QOL to provide satisfaction of life.

Quality of Life Assessment in Korean Patients with Pemphigus

BACKGROUND: Measuring the quality of life (QOL) is important in the evaluation of nonclinical aspects of diseases, for the discovery of functional and psychological limitations, and in choosing treatment in the initial phase of the disease. Pemphigus is a potentially fatal autoimmune bullous disease caused by autoantibodies against desmogleins (cadherin family proteins in desmosomes). Thus far, there has been no published study on QOL in Korean patients with pemphigus. OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of pemphigus on the QOL in a large number of Korean patients. METHODS: Sixty-six patients enrolled at the Gangnam Severance Hospital from March 2012 to March 2013 were assessed for QOL by using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and for anxiety and depression by using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Spearman's rank-order correlation, t-test, and ANOVA were used to identify the relations between the DLQI score and other clinical variables. RESULTS: Pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus significantly reduced the QOL of patients. The average DLQI score for all patients was 10.18. The mean DLQI score was 13.45 in patients in the active state and 5.15 in the patients in the remission state. The DLQI score highly correlated with disease severity, titer of anti-desmoglein 1 in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the corticosteroid dose. However, the QOL was not affected by sex, age, subtype of pemphigus, duration of disease, or comorbidities. Forty-two percent of the patients showed a positive result in the GHQ, reflecting probable minor psychiatric nonpsychotic conditions, and the GHQ score positively correlated to the DLQI score. CONCLUSION: Pemphigus significantly impairs the QOL of patients. The QOL of Korean pemphigus patients significantly correlates with clinical severity. Therefore, considerable attention should be paid to the patients' QOL and psychological states as well as clinical status.

Quality of Life and Psychiatric Symptoms in School-aged Children with Atopic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) in school-aged children may affect their daily activities and psychological well-being. It can also have a negative impact on the child's behavior. Little is known about the quality of life (QOL) and psychiatric symptoms in school-aged children and their relationship to disease severity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to document the impact of AD on QOL and psychiatric symptoms in school-aged children by disease severity. METHODS: Seventy-eight AD patients aged 7approximately19 years were included in this study. Participants completed the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), Kovacs' Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), and the Korean Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale (K-ARS). Disease severity was evaluated using the SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) index. RESULTS: The SCORAD was 28.95+/-17.92 (mean+/-SD), and the CDLQI was 8.04+/-6.29. The CDLQI was significantly correlated with the SCORAD. Psychiatric symptoms (CDI and K-ARS) did not show a correlation with the SCORAD, but they worsened with increasing CDLQI score. There was no statistically significant difference among the different age groups. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that AD had an impact on school-aged children's QOL and psychological well-being. Severity of AD correlated with QOL decrements, indicating greater QOL impact with greater disease severity. Psychiatric symptoms were more related to subjective impairment of QOL than objective disease severity.

Impact of Postthyroidectomy Scar on the Quality of Life of Thyroid Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: Surgical scars are crucial cosmetic problem, especially when in exposed areas such as the anterior neck following thyroidectomy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of post-thyroidectomy scars on quality of life (QoL) of thyroid cancer patients and identify the relationship between scar characteristics and QoL. METHODS: Patients with post-thyroidectomy scars on the neck were recruited. QoL was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Scar characteristics were graded according to Vancouver scar scale (VSS) score. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients completed a battery of questions at the time of enrollment. Post-thyroidectomy scars were classified according to morphology as linear flat scars, linear bulging scars, hypertrophic scars or adhesive scars. There were 32 patients (33.0%), 9 patients (9.3%), 41 patients (42.3%) and 15 patients (15.5%), respectively, in each group. The mean total DLQI score was 9.02. Domain 2 (daily activities, 2.87 points), which includes questions about clothing, was the most greatly impacted among patients. The total DLQI scores of patients who have experienced scar-related symptoms were significantly higher than those of patients without symptoms (p<0.05). The VSS scores were 3.09 for linear flat scars, 6.89 for linear bulging scars, 6.29 for hypertrophic scars and 5.60 for adhesive scars. However, the DLQI scores did not significantly differ among scar types or VSS scores. CONCLUSION: Post-thyroidectomy scars on the neck affect the QoL of thyroid cancer patients regardless of scar type. Therefore, clinicians should pay attention to the psychological effects of scars on patients and take care to minimize post-thyroidectomy scar.

Quality of life among schoolchildren with acne: Results of a cross-sectional study.

Background: Acne is a common problem in adolescent children and has a considerable impact on their quality of life. Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among Serbian adolescents with acne, using 2 questionnaires: The Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) and the Cardiff Acne Disability Index (CADI) and to provide a cross validation of 2 scales. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the pupils of the secondary railway-technical school in Belgrade, Serbia. 478 pupils (aged 15 - 18 years) completed 2 HRQoL questionnaires: CDLQI and CADI. We used t-test for differences between mean values of CDLQI and CADI and Spearman's rho coefficient for correlation between 2 questionnaires. Results: Self-reported acne was present in 71.6% of pupils (64.3% boys and 35.7% girls). The overall mean CDLQI score (4.35 of max. 30) and the overall mean CADI score (3.57 of max. 15) were low, indicating a mild impairment of HRQoL among adolescants. There was good correlation between the 2 questionnaires (Spearman' rho = 0.66). Conclusion: The CADI and the CDLQI questionnaires represent simple and reliable instruments for the assesment of HRQoL among schoolchildren with acne. In this study, we identified 17% of boys and 18% of girls perceived their acne as a major problem. It is important to detect and treat such adolescents on time to reduce the psychosocial burden associated with acne.

Dermatology life quality index in Thai patients with systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disorder that affects various organ systems. Although SSc patients have both physical and psychological illness, psychological distress is sometimes underestimated as most physicians usually pay more attention to physical problems. Aims: To evaluate dermatology-specific health-related quality of life (QoL) in Thai patients with SSc. Methods: SSc patients, who attended the Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between August 2009 and April 2010, were enrolled. The demographic data and skin manifestations of the patients were recorded. Skin thickness of each patient was analyzed by modified Rodnan skin score. QoL was evaluated by using the validated Thai version of dermatology life quality index (DLQI) questionnaire. Results: A total of 80 patients of SSc were enrolled in this study. Twelve patients had limited SSc, while 68 patients had diffuse SSc. The mean (SD) disease duration before period of evaluation was 9 (12.8) years. The mean total of DLQI score was 6.3 (range, 0-23). Patients with low DLQI score have longer disease duration than patients with high DLQI score (P<0.05). Pain/pruritus was the most significant problem to the patients. Salt and pepper appearance was the cutaneous finding that had association with high DLQI score. Conclusions: SSc had moderate impact on patient's dermatology-specific health-related QoL. Pain, pruritus, and obvious skin findings caused a significant impairment to SSc patients. Therefore, the treatment of pain and pruritus and prominent cutaneous findings should be taken into account to improve QoL of SSc patients.

Impact of propylthiouracil on quality of life in psoriasis patients.

Background: Psoriasis greatly impacts the quality of life (QOL) of patients including several dermatological conditions that are listed in the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Decrease in psoriatic lesion as measured by Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score is associated with improvement in QOL. Propylthiouracil (PTU) was found to be clinically efficient in clearing psoriatic lesions. Our objective is to find the extent of improvement in QOL in psoriatic patients treated with PTU. Materials and Methods:Twenty-three psoriatic patients who were taking 300 mg PTU/day were involved in the study. Clinical improvement was assessed by PASI score and QOL was assessed by DLQI questionnaire at baseline, 6 th and 12 th week of PTU treatment. Results: Psoriatic patients before treatment showed significantly increased DLQI score when compared with 6 and 12 weeks of PTU treatment which was found to be decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after PTU treatment. There was a positive correlation between DLQI and PASI score at all three intervals of treatment period at P < 0.001 (r = 0.793, r = 0.834, r = 0.801), respectively. Conclusion: Since PTU was found to improve the QOL of psoriasis patients, this study adds an advantage of using it as treatment option in psoriasis.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes tratados e em tratamento para Hanseníase: uso do Dermatology Life Quality Index e do Whoqol-bref / Evaluation of the quality of life of patients and treatment for Leprosy: use of Dermatology Life Quality Index and Whoqol-bref-

Qualidade de vida (QV) é um assunto que vem despertando o interesse de pesquisadores e profissionais, principalmente, das áreas biológicas e humanas. Informações sobre QV têm sido utilizadas para avaliar a eficácia de determinados tratamentos, agravos à saúde e impacto físico e psicossocial. A hanseníase, foco do estudo em questão, é uma doença crônica, que pode interferir em aspectos importantes da vida do indivíduo. Trata-se de um estudo transversal e descritivo que analisou a QV de 90 pacientes com hanseníase que estavam em acompanhamento nos três serviços de referência em hanseníase da Diretoria Regional de Saúde VI de Bauru/SP. Utilizou-se como instrumentos para a coleta dos dados três protocolos: a ficha de caracterização sóciodemográfica dos pacientes, os questionários de qualidade de vida WHOQOL-bref e DLQI. Identificou-se que o sexo masculino apresentou-se mais freqüente que o feminino, tanto nos pacientes tratados quanto nos em tratamento, totalizando 59 (65,5%) dos 90 pacientes. A maior parte dos pacientes apresentou idade entre 40-59 anos (53/90, 59%) e 65 (72,2%) tinham até o primeiro grau de escolaridade, 43 (47,8%) encontravamse ativos e 47 (52,2%) inativos, 76(84,4%) recebiam de um a dois salários mínimos. Além de serem portadores da hanseníase, referiram ter outras morbidades, sendo mais freqüentes as doenças crônicas como Diabetes mellitus e Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica. A grande maioria (77/90, 85,5%) era multibacilar, 74 (82,2%) dos entrevistados tinham grau 0 de incapacidade...

Quality of life (QOL) is a subject that has aroused the interest of researchers and practitioners, mainly from the biological and human areas. Information on QOL have been used to evaluate the effectiveness of certain treatments, health problems and physical and psychosocial impact. Leprosy is a chronic disease, which can interfere with important aspects of functioning. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that evaluated the QOL of 90 patients with leprosy who were in attendance at the three reference services in leprosy in the Regional Health Board VI of Bauru. We used as instruments for data collection three protocols: the sociodemographic characteristics protocol, the quality of life questionnaire WHOQOL-bref and DLQI. It was identified that male sex was more frequent than females, both in patients treated as well as in those undergoing treatment, encompassing 59 (65.5%) out 90 patients. Most patients presented with ages between 40-59 years old (53/90, 59%) and 65 (72.2%) had completed elementary education, 43 (47.8%) were active and 47 (52,2%) inactive, 76 (84.4%) received one to two minimum wages. In addition to the diagnosis of leprosy, patients reported having other comorbidities, the most frequent chronic diseases were diabetes mellitus and Hypertension. The vast majority (77/90, 85.5%) were multibacillary, 74 (82.2%) respondents had grade 0 disability...

Calidad de vida, actividad y severidad de la psoriasis en pacientes de un policlínico de La Habana - Cuba: enero-julio 2008 / Quality of life, activity and severity of psoriasis in patients from a policlinical of La Habana - Cuba: January-July 2008

ANTECEDENTES: Determinar la relación entre la actividad y severidad de la psoriasis con la calidad de vida en pacientes de un policlínico de La Habana-Cuba. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, en el que participaron 100 pacientes afectados de psoriasis en el Policlínico Docente: "Luís Li Tregent" de Güines, en el período comprendido de enero a julio del 2008. Se determinó el comportamiento de la severidad y actividad de la psoriasis; así como la calidad de vida. Se utilizaron dos instrumentos: uno específico para la psoriasis, el Índice de Actividad y Severidad de la Psoriasis (PASI) y otro no específico el Índice de Calidad de Vida Dermatológico (DLQI). RESULTADOS: El 52 por ciento de los pacientes fue del sexo femenino. En el 58 por ciento de ellos el eritema, la infiltración y la descamación eran moderados y el 89 por ciento tenia de 1-10 por ciento de superficie afectada. La calidad de vida se afectó en el 79 por ciento; de ellos, el 58.2 por ciento pertenecían al sexo femenino. No se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa entre el grado de actividad y severidad de la psoriasis y la afectación de la calidad de vida. CONCLUSIÓN: La severidad y actividad de la psoriasis fue leve en un alto porcentaje; sin embargo, más de la tercera parte de los pacientes presentó alteraciones en su calidad de vida.

OBJECTIVE: Knowing the relation between the Psoriasis Area and Severity (PASI) and Life Quality and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in those patients from one polyclinic of Havana-Cuba. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive, prospective study was carried out in the Güines polyclinic. 100 adult patients at random with psoriasis were included in the time period comprised between January and July 2008. The objective was to know the relation between the Psoriasis Area and Severity (PASI) and Life Quality and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in those patients. RESULTS. We find that 52 per cent of the patients belonged together with the feminine sex, in the 58 per cent of them the erythema, the infiltration and the desquamation were moderate and in the 89 per cent of patients only 1-10 per cent skin surface were affected, however the quality of life was affected in 79 per cent of the patients being in 39 epr cent in a minimum way and 46 per cent they belonged to the feminine sex. CONCLUSIONS: We conclde that the severity and intensity of the psoriasis was slight in a high percentage, however, more than the third part of the patients it presented alterations in its quality of life.

The Concomitant Use with Acupuncture Therapy in a Case of Atopic Dermatitis / 日本東洋医学雑誌

Atopic dermatitis is influenced by numerous environmental factors, as well as various hereditary factors. This variety of factors makes therapy difficult, and necessitates treatment on an individual, case-by-case basis.<br>We report the case of a 21-year old woman with atopic dermatitis. The patient underwent acupuncture 11 times, in accordance with traditional Chinese medicine theory, in addition to her medicaments. This treatment resulted in improvement of her skin eruptions, QOL, IgE-RIST and eosinophils. This may demonstrate that concomitant use of acupuncture therapy is effective in the improvement of atopic dermatitis.