Impairment of Sexual Life in 3,485 Dermatological Outpatients From a Multicentre Study in 13 European Countries

Abstract

Skin conditions may have a strong impact on patients' sexual life, and thus influence personal relationships. Sexual issues are difficult to discuss directly in clinical practice, and a mediated instrument may be useful to capture such information. In this study item 9 of the Dermatology Life Quality Index was used to collect information on sexual impact of several skin conditions in 13 European countries. Among 3,485 patients, 23.1% reported sexual problems. The impairment was particularly high in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, prurigo, blistering disorders, psoriasis, urticaria, eczema, infections of the skin, or pruritus. Sexual impact was strongly associated with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. It was generally more frequent in younger patients and was positively correlated with clinical severity and itch. It is important to address the issue of sexual well-being in the evaluation of patients with skin conditions, since it is often linked to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.

The Broad-Spectrum Impact of Hidradenitis Suppurativa on Quality of Life: A Comparison with Psoriasis

“…Also, sexual impact has been thoroughly studied in a large study on patients with HS, showing a significant impact of the disease on that aspect [25]. In another study [26], patients with HS had more sexual dysfunctions and sexual distress than matched control subjects; this has been confirmed by a recent survey in 13 European countries [27]. …”

The impact of atopic dermatitis on sexual health

“…In the European study, the impact on sexual difficulties, assessed by answers to the question 9 of the DLQI, was particularly high in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, prurigo, blistering disorders, psoriasis, urticaria, eczema, infections of the skin and pruritus. In this study, an impact on sexuality was strongly associated with itching, depression, anxiety and even suicidal ideation.…”

“…Skin conditions may have a strong impact on sexual health, as they involve personal appearance and thus affect social life and personal relationships . Regardless of the affected body area, the involvement of skin in a disease may affect intimacy .…”

“…Skin conditions may have a strong impact on sexual health, as they involve personal appearance and thus affect social life and personal relationships . Regardless of the affected body area, the involvement of skin in a disease may affect intimacy . In clinical practice, it may be challenging for both the patient and the physician to discuss these sensitive issues directly, and consequently, the impact of a disease on sexual life is rarely assessed .…”

“…Self‐assessment using questionnaires may provide a viable alternative. Several specific questionnaires aimed at measuring sexual quality of life are available, and even a single question from a generic or organ‐specific quality of life instrument, such as the DLQI, may yield some important information . Very few studies have investigated the impact of dermatologic diseases that involve the genitals on sexual life …”