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Skin diseases are prevalent globally and can have detrimental effects on the individual's health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The treatment of dermatological patients typically focuses on clinical signs and symptoms and a subjective view of the impact of the disease on the patient's life. Assessing quality of life can help provide patients with better service, by acknowledging their real needs and interfering with treatment decisions. The aim of the study was therefore to assess quality of life of dermatology outpatients and its associated factors. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the dermatology clinic of Halibet National Referral Hospital in Asmara, Eritrea. HRQoL data were collected between May 6 and August 18, 2022 using a validated standard tool (Skindex-29). Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and paired t-test were employed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Version-26.0). A total of 375 dermatology clinic out-patients with a median age of 29 (Interquartile range: 25) were included in the study. The most commonly seen skin diseases were eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis and tinea pedis. Emotion, symptom, and functioning domains of HRQoL were severely impaired in 75.7%, 50.4% and 57.6% of all dermatology outpatients, respectively. More than half of the respondents (57.9%) had a severely impaired overall HRQoL. In the overall HRQoL, being a rural resident [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.98, 95% CI 1.18, 3.33] and presence of chronic illness (AOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.22, 3.82) were significantly associated with severely impaired overall quality of life. A significantly higher mean score (p < 0.001) was observed in emotion [Mean (M) = 55.60, Standard Deviation (SD) = 21.0] as compared to functioning (M = 46.89, SD = 21.2). On the other hand, significantly higher mean score (p < 0.001) was observed on symptom (M = 54.08, SD = 20.5) as compared to functioning (M = 46.89, SD = 21.2). Skin diseases severely affected the emotion, functioning, and symptom domains of health-related quality of life. This highlights the importance of providing physical and psychosocial support to patients with dermatologic problems.

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BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The Skindex-29 and Skindex-Teen assess dermatology-related quality of life among adults and adolescents, respectively. This study directly compared the same adolescents' responses to the Skindex-29 relative to Skindex-Teen in a predominantly American Indian and/or Alaska Native population. This population is underrepresented in medical research. Although skin-related quality-of-life issues are widespread, American Indian and/or Alaska Native adolescents are not well-represented in related studies. METHODS: Data were collected in-person by self-report survey at two regional powwows in Denver, Colorado in 2021 and 2022. Respondents completed the full Skindex-29 and Skindex-Teen (40 unique items total). RESULTS: Eighty-six adolescents, 12-17 years old, completed the survey. The majority (70.9%, 61/86) of respondents self-identified as American Indian and/or Alaska Native. Analyses were conducted with all respondent survey data. Nearly two-thirds (64.0%, 55/86) of our respondents had a Skindex-29 score that revealed their quality of life was impaired at least mildly by skin disease. The Skindex-29 and Skindex-Teen demonstrated good reliability; there was substantial concordance between responses to the two measures (r values ranged from 0.88 to 0.97 for similar subscales). Compared to younger adolescents (aged 12-14), older adolescents (aged 15-17) reported worse dermatology-related quality of life and emotional toll based on higher Skindex-29 total, Skindex-Teen total, Skindex-29 Emotional subscale, and Skindex-Teen Psychosocial Functioning subscale scores. CONCLUSIONS: American Indian and/or Alaska Native adolescents suffer from skin-related quality-of-life issues. The Skindex-Teen and Skindex-29 generated similar information regarding quality of life in young patients with skin disease. While the Skindex-Teen may be slightly more relevant to adolescents, these surveys were highly concordant. Both the Skindex-Teen and Skindex-29 exhibited frequent "never" responses to questions about impact of skin conditions on relationships with others and tendencies to stay home. Thus, careful attention should be paid to such questions to ensure their relevance to adolescents.

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BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is one of the most common RASopathies predisposing affected patients to melanic lesions and benign tumors. NF1 is associated with considerable esthetic and functional burden negatively affecting the patient's quality of life (QoL). This study aims to assess the clinical features of NF1 patients and evaluate their impact on QoL. We identified NF1 patients from a public health database of a region in Spain. All patients underwent clinical and ophthalmological evaluation for NF1 features. We measured QoL using the Spanish version of the Skindex-29. RESULTS: Forty patients fulfilled the NF1 National Institute of Health criteria when we recruited patients. The median age was 42.00 years (IQR 26.5 -53.75). The median total Skindex-29 score was 12.3 (IQR 5.9-22.4); (emotion: 15.0, IQR 5.0-37.5; symptoms 8.9, IQR 0.0-17.9 and functioning 8.3; IQR 0.5-18.3). Women and NF1 patients with lower educational levels were associated with poorer QoL scores. We identified itching and sleep troubles to influence NF1 patients' QoL negatively. CONCLUSION: NF1 considerably influences the psychological well-being of NF1 patients. We observed that female and low-educated patients scored higher on the emotional dimension of the Skindex-29 and could, therefore, be more at risk of depression. We also pointed out some "minor symptoms" that negatively impact NF1 patients' QoL such, as itching and sleep troubles which doctors could treat if sought by doctors.

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INTRODUCTION: Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) occurs in at least one in 900 girls. There is limited knowledge as to what extent the disease persists in adulthood and what the repercussions in adulthood may be. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term consequences of VLS diagnosed in childhood or adolescence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population of females histologically diagnosed with VLS in childhood or adolescence in the Netherlands between 1991 and 2015 was identified through the national pathology database. Histological specimens were retrieved and re-evaluated. Potential participants for whom the diagnosis was reconfirmed and who are now adults, were then traced and surveyed. Descriptive statistics were calculated and compared with the literature. Main outcome measures are the demographics of the cohort, their scores on standardized quality of life (QoL) and sexuality questionnaires and answers to additional questions regarding patients' experience with the disease. The questionnaires used were the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), the Skindex-29, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R). Secondary outcome measures include obstetric history and histological features found in the original tissue specimens. RESULTS: A total of 81 women participated, median age 29.0 years, median follow-up from childhood diagnosis 19.5 years. Both QoL and sexuality were somewhat affected in 51.9% of cases. Less than half (45%) reported having regular check-ups. Forty-five (56%) reported symptoms within the past year; of those with symptoms, 14 (31%) were not under surveillance. Cesarean section rate (14.5%) was comparable to the general population, and there were more high-grade obstetric anal sphincter injuries with vaginal deliveries than expected. Sixteen respondents (20%) were not aware of the childhood diagnosis prior to this study. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms due to VLS are reported by most adults diagnosed as juveniles. QoL and sexuality are affected and correlate to recent symptoms. VLS as a juvenile does not preclude a vaginal delivery. Women diagnosed with VLS in childhood or adolescence are often lost to follow-up.

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Background: Port-wine stains (PWS) are predominantly located on the face and neck. Hence, PWS affect not only aesthetic appearance but may also cause psychological distress. However, very few studies have researched on the quality of life (QoL) in Chinese patients with PWS. Aim: To evaluate QoL in patients with PWS. Methods and Materials: Skindex-29 and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) were used to investigate the QoL of the patients with PWS and healthy controls. Results: In total, 198 adults with PWS and 200 healthy controls were included. The scores of symptomatic, emotional and functional dimensions of Skindex-29 in the observational group were significantly higher as compared with the control group (P<0.05). Female gender, lesion location and the treatment history (such as pulsed dye laser or photodynamic therapy) had a negative impact on the scores (emotional and functional dimensions) of the patients with PWS. The median DLQI score was 3 points in the observational group and 0 points in the control group (P<0.05), and QoL of patients who had a history of previous treatments was diminished. Conclusion: The QoL of patients with PWS is impaired. Patients' QoL is negatively influenced by female gender, lesion location and treatment history. The Skindex-29 scale seems to be more applicable to the study of QoL of patients with PWS.

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Background: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a chronic and progressive disease that has a major impact on quality of life (QoL). Objectives: To describe the impact of the different stages of disease in patients with classical mycosis fungoides, folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, and Sézary syndrome on generic- and dermatology-specific QoL and the relation with itch. Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study of patients with classical mycosis fungoides, folliculotropic mycosis fungoides, and Sézary syndrome was performed. Outcomes were the Skindex-29 score, Impact of Chronic Skin Disease on Daily Life which includes a visual analogue scale itch, and RAND-12. Results: One hundred six patients with CTCL were included. Compared to the total mycosis fungoides group, patients with Sézary syndrome had significantly worse Skindex-29 scores. Patients with advanced disease had statistically higher scores for the symptom (P = .007), functioning (P = .002), and total score (P = .012). The degree of itching was strongly correlated with the total Skindex-29 score (R = 0.713, P < .001). Conclusion: The different stages of CTCL can have a significant effect on multiple domains of generic- and dermatology-specific QoL. Itch was strongly correlated with QoL and therefore can be used as an overall QoL indicator. The effect on QoL, even in patients with early-stage disease, should not be underestimated.

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The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of fish skin collagen and its impact on healing, pain intensity, and quality of life in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). This study included 100 adults with VLUs. Eligible patients were randomized to either tropocollagen gel treatment (group A, n = 47) or placebo alone (group B, n = 45). We applied the gel to the periwound skin for 12 weeks. All groups received standard wound care, including class 2 compression therapy and wound hygiene procedures. We assessed the healing rate (cm2/week) and quality of life (QoL) using the Skindex-29 and CIVIQ scales. In group A, more ulcers healed, and the healing rate was faster. In both study groups, patients showed a significant improvement in quality of life after the intervention, but there was a greater improvement in the tropocollagen group. In group A, the greatest improvement was related to physical symptoms and the pain dimension. This study showed that the application of fish collagen gel to the periwound skin improves the healing process and QoL in patients with VLUs. The 12-week treatment with collagen reduced the severity of physical complaints, pain, and local skin symptoms, which determined the quality of life in patients with VLUs to the greatest extent.

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BACKGROUND: Striae distensae is a common affliction of darkly pigmented skin. The pattern, risk factors and impact of striae distensae on the Quality of Life (QoL) have not been widely examined. OBJECTIVE: To document the prevalence, pattern, risk factors and impact of striae distensae on the QoL of sufferers. METHODS: 520 adults were included through a crosssectional design. Demographic and striae distensae-related clinical parameters were documented and QoL evaluated using Skindex-29 and DLQI. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 24.10±5.44years. Participants with striae distensae were significantly females (71.9% vs 28.1%, p<0.001) and mild (61.9%) and moderate (32.5%) striae distensae were prevalent. Higher total mean ± SD and mean ranked scores correlated with single status (p<0.001 and p=0.017) and striae distensae severity (p<0.001 and p=0.035) on Skindex and DLQI, respectively. Singles with striae distensae had significantly higher scores on symptom/feeling (p<0.001), daily activities (p=0.003), relationship (p=0.043), leisure (p=0.004), treatment (p=0.011) and work/school (p=0.014) on DLQI. Striae distensae was associated with higher emotion (p<0.001) and functioning (p<0.001) scores on Skindex-29. In regression analysis, age < 30years OR-1.219 (CI: 1.062, 1.400, p=0.005), was a predictor of severe QoL impairment on Skindex-29 and age <30 years OR-1.130 (CI: 1.022, 1.250, p=0.017), obesity OR=1.091, 95% (CI 1.008;1.181, p=0.032) and concern about striae distensae OR-2.482 (CI: 1.392, 4.425, p=0.002) on DLQI. CONCLUSION: Psychologic evaluation might be indicated in cases of singles with moderate-severe striae distensae and impaired QoL. Predictors of impaired QoL include young age, high BMI, and concerns about striae distensae.

CONTEXTE: Striae distensae est une affection courante de la peau à pigmentation foncée. Le modèle, les facteurs de risque et l'impact des stries distensae sur la qualité de vie (QdV) n'ont pas été largement examinés. OBJECTIF: Documenter la prévalence, le profil, les facteurs de risque et l'impact des stries distensae sur la qualité de vie des patients. MÉTHODES: 520 adultes ont été inclus dans le cadre d'un devis transversal. Les paramètres cliniques démographiques et liés aux striae distensae ont été documentés et la qualité de vie évaluée à l'aide du Skindex-29 et du DLQI. RÉSULTATS: L'âge moyen des participants était de 24,10 ± 5,44 ans. Les participants avec des vergetures étaient significativement des femmes (71,9% contre 28,1%, p<0,001) et des vergetures légères (61,9 %) et modérées (32,5 %) étaient prévalentes. Des totaux plus élevés signifient ± SD et des scores classés moyens en corrélation avec le statut unique (p<0,001 et p=0,017) et la sévérité des stries distensae (p<0,001 et p=0,035) sur Skindex et DLQI, respectivement. Les célibataires atteints de stries distensae avaient des scores significativement plus élevés sur les symptômes/émotions (p<0,001), les activités quotidiennes (p=0,003), la relation (p=0,043), les loisirs (p=0,004), le traitement (p=0,011) et le travail/l'école (p=0,014) sur DLQI. Striae distensae était associée à des scores plus élevés d'émotion (p<0,001) et de fonctionnement (p<0,001) sur Skindex-29. Dans l'analyse de régression, l'âge < 30 ans OR-1,219 (IC : 1,062, 1,400, p=0,005), était un prédicteur d'une altération sévère de la qualité de vie sur Skindex-29 et l'âge <30 ans OR-1,130 (IC : 1,022, 1,250, p=0,017), obésité OR=1,091, 95 % (IC 1,008 ; 1,181, p=0,032) et inquiétude concernant les stries distensae OR-2,482 (IC : 1,392, 4,425, p=0,002) sur le DLQI. CONCLUSION: Une évaluation psychologique pourrait être indiquée dans les cas de célibataires présentant des stries distensae modérées à sévères et une qualité de vie altérée. Les prédicteurs d'une qualité de vie altérée comprennent le jeune âge, un IMC élevé et des inquiétudes concernant les stries distensae. MOTS-CLÉS: Striae distensae; Qualité de vie; DLQI; Skindex-29, Psychodermatologie.

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BACKGROUND: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune photosensitive skin condition. The impact of income on quality of life has been incompletely characterized in CLE. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess how annual income affects quality of life among CLE patients. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of 238 patients with CLE, relationships between predictor variables including annual income and each SKINDEX-29 + 3 subdomain were identified using univariate and multivariable analyses. In addition, answers to individual SKINDEX-29 + 3 questions were compared across income groups. Clinical factors in patients making less than <10,000 USD (N = 85) with worse SKINDEX-29 + 3 scores were also identified by univariate and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Patients making <10,000 USD annually experienced worse quality of life across multiple SKINDEX-29 + 3 subdomains (p < 0.05). These patients specifically experienced poorer quality of life relating to social isolation and self-consciousness. (p < 0.001). Among those making <10,000 USD, predictors for worse quality of life included females, smokers, and those with higher skin disease activity were identified (p < 0.05).Limitations: This is a single center study. Income was also self-reported and could not be verified. CONCLUSIONS: Lower income is related to poorer quality of life in patients with CLE. Specifically, patients experience limitations regarding social isolation and self-consciousness.

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BACKGROUND: Sézary syndrome (SS) and mycosis fungoides (MF), 2 types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, cause significant morbidity and adversely affect patients' quality of life (QoL). The present study assessed the QoL measurement changes in patients receiving mogamulizumab versus vorinostat. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter phase III trial was conducted of patients with stage IB-IV MF/SS with ≥ 1 failed systemic therapy. The QoL measures included Skindex-29 and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. The symptoms, function, and QoL subdomains were longitudinally modeled using mixed models with prespecified covariates. Meaningful change thresholds (MCTs) were defined using distribution-based methods. The categorical changes by group over time and the time to clinically meaningful worsening were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 372 randomized patients, mogamulizumab demonstrated improvement in Skindex-29 symptoms (cycles 3, 5, and 7; P < .05) and functional (cycles 3 and 5; P < .05) scales. A significantly greater proportion of mogamulizumab-treated patients improved by MCTs or more from baseline in the Skindex-29 symptoms domain (cycles 3, 5, 7, and 11) and functioning domain (cycle 5). Significant differences in the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General physical well-being (cycles 1, 3, and 5; P < .05) were observed in favor of mogamulizumab and a greater proportion of patients had declined by MCTs or more at cycles 1, 3, 5, and 7 with vorinostat treatment. The median time to symptom worsening using Skindex-29 was 27.4 months for mogamulizumab versus 6.6 months for vorinostat. In the patients with SS, the time to worsening favored mogamulizumab (P < .005) for all Skindex-29 domains. The time to worsening was similar for the 2 MF treatment arms. CONCLUSION: The symptoms, function, and overall QoL of patients with MF/SS favored mogamulizumab over vorinostat across all time points. Patients with the greatest symptom burden and functional impairment derived the most QoL benefit from mogamulizumab.

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BACKGROUND: Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) is a common, chronic, inflammatory skin disorder, yet few studies have reported its clinical characteristics, or addressed its effect on quality of life (QoL). This study assesses the clinical characteristics and QoL of SD patients in China. It also identifies the clinical, demographic and environmental factors that may influence QoL. METHODS: Three hundred twelve SD outpatients from 9 hospitals completed a survey. QoL was measured with the dermatology-specific instrument Skindex-29. We collected social demographic characteristics and disease severity, and conducted logistic regression to determine the factors associated with QoL impairment. RESULTS: 67.3% of the patients were females. The mean Skindex-29 overall score was 33.97 (SD = 20.55). The breakdown was 40.79 (SD = 24.24) for emotions, 32.83 (SD = 19.84) for symptoms and 28.3 (SD = 23.24) for functioning. 48.1% had severe emotional problems. Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI less than 25 (OR = 0.223; 95% CI: 0.072-0.692; P = 0.009), skin disease-related hospitalization (OR = 6.882; 95% CI:1.767-26.795; P = 0.005), environmental PM 10 levels above 120 µg/m3 (OR = 3.386; 95% CI: 1.253-9.15; P = 0.016) and severe disease conditions (OR = 4.438; 95% CI:1.26-15.626; P = 0.02) were risk factors for severe emotional impairment. Moreover, skin disease-related hospitalization (OR = 6.057; 95% CI:1.351-27.149; P = 0.019), environmental PM 10 levels between 70 and 120 µg/m3 (OR = 6.317; 94% CI: 1.704-23.42; P = 0.006), moderate (OR = 2.388; 95% CI: 1.272-4.487; P = 0.007) and severe disease conditions (OR = 5.732; 95% CI: 1.838-17.88; P = 0.003) were each risk factors for overall severe impairment. CONCLUSION: In China, nearly half of SD patients had severely emotional problems. Disease severity, BMI, dermatologic hospitalization, and ambient PM 10 levels are each risk factors for QoL impairment in SD patients. These implications are alarming, and warrant public health attention in SD disease management.

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PURPOSE: This randomized parallel study aims to investigate the azelaic acid (AA), and pyruvic acid (PA) peels treatment effect on health-related quality of life (QOL) in young adult women with acne vulgaris. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The participants were 120 female undergraduate students, with mild to moderate facial acne and an average age of 22 years old (M = 22.2, SD = 16.1). Eligibility criteria were as follows: female gender, 18-25 years of age, no dermatological treatment within the last 12 months and mild to moderate papulopustular acne. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, the first group was treated with AA, and the second group was treated with PA. Both groups received treatment every 2 weeks, for a total of 12 weeks. The Hellgren-Vincent scale was used to assess acne severity, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-29 were used to evaluate the quality of life of each patient. These scores were calculated before treatment, and after finishing the final treatment. RESULTS: All scoring systems used (Hellgren-Vincent scale, DLQI, and Skindex-29) demonstrated improvement in both groups. QOL scores were slightly better in the group using pyruvic acid compared with azelaic acid. CONCLUSION: Both AA and PA have a significant impact on the objective assessment of acne symptoms, as well as the subjectively measured quality of life of young adult women with acne. There is a slightly greater improvement in QOL scores with PA compared with AA peeling treatment.

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BACKGROUND: Questionnaire tools are increasingly being used to assess health related quality of life (HRQOL) in mycosis fungoides (MF) patients. However, a thorough understanding of the factors that lead to poor HRQoL in early stage disease and their distribution across patient subgroups is lacking. OBJECTIVES: To characterize factors affecting HRQoL as assessed by Skindex-29 in subgroups of patients with early stage MF seen at a multidisciplinary cutaneous lymphoma clinic. METHODS: Skindex-29, a multidimensional survey that evaluates HRQoL (emotions, symptoms, function), was distributed to early stage MF patients. Overall and component scores were analyzed in three groups: no evidence of disease (NED), active disease with limited early stage (AD-T1), and active disease with more extensive early stage (AD-T2). Scores were also compared among patients receiving different treatment modalities. RESULTS: 56 patients (9 NED, 36 AD-T1, and 11 AD-T2) were enrolled in the study. Overall Skindex-29 scores and scores for individual dimensions were comparable among the three sub-groups. Similarly, these scores did not significantly differ among treatment groups or after removal of patients with previous staging higher than IB. Analysis of individual questions revealed that NED patients reported higher scores for questions pertaining to anger and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: Early stage MF patients enrolled in this study had high overall Skindex-29 scores. Surprisingly, Skindex-29 scores of NED patients were comparable to those of patients with active disease, T1 and T2, mostly due to anger and fatigue. Even when skin involvement is minimal or absent, MF patients continue to report impaired HRQoL.

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Little is known about which quality of life measure best captures the lived experience of people with a chronic skin condition. The purpose of this study was to explore patients' views on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Skindex-29. Participants were adults (n = 28) with a diagnosis of eczema or psoriasis who completed the DLQI and the Skindex-29 before being interviewed about the content and format of these questionnaires. Interviews were analysed using content analysis. Participants were generally satisfied with length and layout of both questionnaires. However, the majority preferred the Skindex-29 for its ease of understanding, use of a longer recall period and incorporation of items on a variety of emotions. Participants reported both questionnaires failing to incorporate important aspects of their lives, for instance impact on professional relationships. Participants voiced limitations in both measures but overall felt Skindex-29 better captured their lived experience.

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INTRODUCTION: Changes in the skin can occur as part of a diabetic, metabolic disorder or diabetic complications. Studies have shown that diabetes has an extremely strong negative impact on quality of life, especially diabetes with complications. AIM: Examine the impact of skin changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on quality of life. METHODS: A prospective study analysed the quality of life in 200 respondents with type 2 diabetes mellitus which had diabetes-related skin changes. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the type of skin changes associated with diabetes mellitus. Group 1 consisted of patients which had skin changes with a greater or lesser association with diabetes mellitus, group 2 patients with infections, group 3 patients with cutaneous manifestations of diabetic complications and group 4 patients with allergic reactions to antidiabetic therapy. Quality of life assessment was performed using the Skindex-29 questionnaire, and the Nijsten categorization was used to assess the impact of skin changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on quality of life. RESULTS: There were (51.95%) respondents in group 1, group 2 (24.02%), group 3 (22.22%) and group 4 (1.8%) respondents. In the scale of emotions in 84 respondents (43.0%) the impact on quality of life was serious, in the scale of symptoms in 96 (48%) was moderate, and in the scale of social and physical functioning 106 (55%) also had a moderate impact on quality of life, as well as in the total score of 94 respondents (47%). There was a statistically significant difference in the scale of social and physical functioning in the presence of skin changes in group 1 (x2 = 7.95; df = 3, p = 0.045) and group 3 (x2 = 12.48, df = 3; p = 0.006), and in the total score of Skindex-29 when it comes to changes in the skin of group 3 (x2 = 7.26, df = 3, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: the quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus which have skin changes is significantly reduced.

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INTRODUCTION: To date, no formal study has been published regarding how Colombian patients with skin disorders could be affected according to their perception of disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact in quality of life of skin diseases in a Colombian population. METHODS: This multicenter study included patients with skin disease from almost the whole country. Individuals >18 years old; of any gender; with any skin disease and who signed informed consent, were included. We applied the Colombian validated version of the Skindex-29 instrument. RESULTS: A total of 1896 questionnaires had sufficient information for the analyses. No significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics of patients who returned the questionnaire incomplete vs. complete, were found. Participants mean age was 41.5 years. There were no statistical differences in men vs. women regarding the global (p=0.37), symptoms (p=0.71) and emotions (p=0.32) domains, whereas statistical differences were found in the function domain (p=0.04; Mann-Whitney U test). Psoriasis, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, hair disorders, Hansen's disease, scars, hyperhidrosis and genital human papillomavirus disease scored the highest. LIMITATIONS: Skindex-29 score variability as a result of differences in the location of the skin lesions, their inflammatory or non-inflammatory nature, and the start of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Even the most localized or asymptomatic skin lesion in our population leads to a disruption at some level of patient's wellness. This study adds well supported scientific data of the burden of skin diseases worldwide.

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Introducción: La adaptación cultural de los instrumentos de calidad de vida y su evaluación psicométrica se deben hacer de forma rigurosa y estandarizada. Objetivo: evaluar la fiabilidad y la validez de constructo de la versión colombiana del instrumento Skindex-29©. Métodos: se incluyeron pacientes con enfermedades cutáneas inflamatorias o generalizadas; con enfermedades no inflamatorias o localizadas, e individuos sanos y se determinó la fiabilidad intraobservador e interobservador. Resultados: se encuestaron 265 individuos. El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach fue de 0,957 para el instrumento total. Los coeficientes de correlación intraclase de la consistencia intraobservador e interobservador fueron superiores al 0,9. Los pacientes con enfermedades dermatológicas generalizadas y con dermatosis inflamatorias tuvieron puntuaciones más altas que las de aquellos con lesiones cutáneas no inflamatorias o aisladas. Conclusiones: los resultados corroboran la validez de constructo del instrumento estudiado. En el futuro es necesario evaluar otras propiedades psicométricas del mismo tales como su validez de contenido y de criterio y su sensibilidad al cambio.

Background: The cultural adaptation of quality of life instruments and their psychometric evaluation should be done rigorously and according to the standards. Objective: This study assessed the reliability and construct validity of the Colombian version of the Skindex-29 instrument. Methods: Patients with inflammatory or generalized skin diseases and with non-inflammatory or localized diseases, and healthy individuals were included. We determined the intra- and inter-observer reliability. Results: We surveyed 265 individuals. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.957 for the total instrument. The intraclass correlation coefficients for intra-observer and inter-observer consistency were higher than 0.9. Patients with generalized or inflammatory diseases had higher scores than those with non-inflammatory or isolated lesions. Conclusions: The results support the construct validity of the studied instrument. In the future, it is necessary to evaluate other psychometric properties such as its content and criteria validity, and its sensitivity to change.

Introdução: A adaptação cultural dos instrumentos de qualidade de vida e sua avaliação psicométrica, deve se fazer de forma rigorosa e padronizada. Objetivo: Avaliar a fiabilidade e a validade de constructo da versão Colombiana do instrumento Skindex-29©. Métodos: Se incluíram pacientes com doenças cutâneas inflamatórias ou generalizadas; com doenças não inflamatórias ou localizadas e indivíduos saudáveis e se determinou a fiabilidade intra e inter-observador. Resultados: Se entrevistaram um total de 265 indivíduos. O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach foi de 0.957 para o instrumento total. Os coeficientes de correlação intra-aula da consistência intra-observador e inter-observador foram superiores a 0.9. Os pacientes com doenças dermatológicas e com dermatose inflamatórias apresentaram pontuações mais altas do que os pacientes com lesões cutâneas não inflamatórias ou isoladas. Conclusões: Mediante este estudo se corroboro a validade de constructo do instrumento. No futuro é necessário avaliar outras propriedades psicométricas do instrumento tais como sua validade de conteúdo, de critério e sua sensibilidade à mudança.

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BACKGROUND: Facial port-wine stains (PWS) are considered by some an aesthetic skin problem, yet impact on quality of life (QoL) has not been objectively documented. OBJECTIVE: We sought to (1) characterize the effect of PWS on QoL in adults, (2) to identify the clinical and demographic factors that affect QoL, and (3) to compare our results with QoL studies in other skin conditions. METHODS: In total, 244 adults with facial PWS completed an online QoL survey, which included the Skindex-29 instrument. RESULTS: QoL in adults with facial PWS was diminished, especially from an emotional perspective. Variables associated with reduced QoL in all Skindex-29 subdomains included comorbid depression, limited facial mobility, and presence of other skin conditions. Persons with hypertrophy had more emotional and symptomatic impairment. The composite dermatologic-specific QoL scores were similar to those of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, rosacea, alopecia, and vitiligo. LIMITATIONS: Selection bias was a potential limitation, as participants were primarily recruited from patient support groups. CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrates that the presence of a facial PWS has a significant negative impact on QoL. Dermatologists caring for patients with PWS should inquire about QoL, provide appropriate support and resources, and consider QoL when discussing treatment options and obtaining authorization for these procedures.

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INTRODUCTION: The results of previous studies suggest that the quality of life in patients with lower limb ulcerations is markedly poorer than in the general population - with regard to physical, mental and social spheres. This complex character of that parameter necessitates comprehensive analyses of its specific aspects, including the level of the acceptance of illness and associated pain symptoms. AIM: To compare the quality of life and its specific dimensions in patients with lower limb ulcerations of various etiology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with the ulcerations resulting from venous (n = 101) or arterial pathologies (n = 98), or having mixed etiology (n = 99) were examined with the: 1) Skindex-29 instrument, 2) Acceptance of Illness Scale, 3) Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire, and 4) Coping Strategy Questionnaire. RESULTS: The average quality of life related to physical symptoms was significantly higher in patients with venous ulcerations. Patients with ulcerations of arterial etiology more frequently used catastrophizing, and less often ignored pain sensations, used coping self-statements, and increased their activity levels; they were characterized by lower levels of control and poorer ability to decrease the pain. The internal locus of pain control increased proportionally to the global quality of life scores and levels of illness acceptance. Control over pain and ability to decrease the pain were more effective in individuals who used ignoring pain sensations, increasing the activity level, coping self-statements, and reinterpreting pain than in those using catastrophizing or praying and hoping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Physical complaints seem to be the basic determinant of the quality of life in patients with the lower limb ulceration, irrespective of its etiology.