General measures and quality of life issues in psoriasis

Abstract

Psoriasis generally does not affect survival but has significant detrimental effect on quality of life (QOL), which may be comparable to that of ischemic heart disease, diabetes, depression, and cancer. The foremost important thing in the management of psoriasis is counseling of the patient. The clinician needs to be empathetic and spend adequate time with the patient and educating the patient about psoriasis. Clinicians should make it clear to the patient that the primary goal of treatment is control of the disease rather than cure. Eating a balanced and low glycemic diet could be an important adjuvant factor in the prevention and treatment of moderate nonpustular psoriasis. Obese people are more likely to have severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis than people with an average body mass index. Dietary supplementation with oily fish, rich in n-3 fatty acids, in psoriasis had shown mixed results in trials. Promising results have been documented for parenteral application of n-3 fatty acid, but not with oral supplementation. Increased smoking or alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing psoriasis and may influence disease severity, and hence must be avoided. Soaking in warm water with bath oil can be done in extensive psoriasis for hydration and emollient effect, and bland soaps or soap substitutes should be used; antiseptics should be avoided as they may irritate the skin. Relatively small, localized patches of psoriasis may improve with occlusion, i.e., waterproof adhesive dressings. The use of emollients is an internationally accepted standard adjunctive to the treatment of psoriasis. Dermatology Life Quality Index is a psychometrically sound and responsive measure of psoriasis-specific outcomes and most comprehensively captures the impact of clinical signs and symptoms on patient's well-being.

The Pathophysiological Mechanisms and the Quest for Biomarkers in Psoriasis, a Stress-Related Skin Disease

“…Psoriasis-specific measures are also available. The Psoriasis Life Stress Inventory (PLSI) is a 15-item questionnaire which measures the psychosocial stress associated with coping with everyday events [ 29 , 30 ]. The Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) consists of 15 psoriasis-specific questions which address the disability in daily activities, employment, personal relationships, leisure, and treatment [ 29 , 31 ].…”

“…The Psoriasis Life Stress Inventory (PLSI) is a 15-item questionnaire which measures the psychosocial stress associated with coping with everyday events [ 29 , 30 ]. The Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) consists of 15 psoriasis-specific questions which address the disability in daily activities, employment, personal relationships, leisure, and treatment [ 29 , 31 ]. Psoriasis Index of Quality of Life (PSORIQoL) is a 25-dichotomous item instrument designed for clinical practice and trials which assesses the capability of individuals to satisfy their needs [ 29 , 32 , 33 ].…”

Traditional Chinese medicine for psoriasis vulgaris

“…These include relaxation, behavioral changes, balanced diets, fish oils, and foods rich in n-3 fatty acid supplements, in addition to smoking and drinking cessation and the use of topical emollients. [ 9 – 11 ] However, these measures do not prevent relapse. There is a critical need to find alternative therapies to prevent the recurrence of psoriasis.…”

Quality od life in patients with psoriasis vulgaris during the COVID 19 pandemic

“…Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatological disease that has a major impact on the quality of life of patients suffering from it [1]. It is a complex health disorder occurring from an interaction of multiple genes, the immune system, and the impact of external factors [2].…”

“…It is a complex health disorder occurring from an interaction of multiple genes, the immune system, and the impact of external factors [2]. The physical symptoms of psoriasis negatively affect health and social relationships [1]. In a survey by the National Psoriasis Foundation, almost 75% of patients believed that psoriasis had a moderate to large negative impact on their quality of life (QoL), with alterations in their daily activities [3].…”