Psoriasis in Northern Saudi Arabia: Clinical features and implications for quality of life

Abstract

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic non-contagious inflammatory skin disorder, which might impair patient’s social relationships, limit leisure activities, and lower self-esteem. Psoriasis patients might be stigmatized leading to psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Objectives: This study aimed to outline the clinical features of psoriasis and its effects on quality of life, and the feeling of stigmatization among psoriasis patients. Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 109 adult psoriasis patients in Arar City, Saudi Arabia. The study collected data on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of psoriasis patients, self-reported psoriasis severity using the self-assessment Simplified Psoriasis Index (sa-SPI-s), patients’ quality of life using the dermatological life quality index (DLQI), and the feeling of stigmatization using the six-items stigmatization scale. Results: The mean age of psoriasis onset in studied patients was 20 (±7.65) years, females represented 58.72%, and 22% were unemployed. Joint and nail affection were reported in 46.79% and 51.38%, respectively. One third of patients had positive family history of psoriasis. Seasonal variation, life stressors, smoking and skin injuries were frequent provocative factors for psoriasis lesions. The average sa-SPI-s was 10.08 (±10.41), which was correlated with patients’ ages, disease duration, obesity, and pruritis. The average DLQI and six-items stigmatization scale for psoriasis patients were 8.95 (±5.77) and 7.61 (±4.5), respectively that were correlated with sa-SPI-s. Conclusion: The clinical manifestations and chronicity of psoriasis impaired patients’ quality of life and accompanied with social stigma due to skin disfigurement. These effects need to be addressed for better care of patients.

Urinary Orosomucoid as a Potential Marker of Inflammation in Psoriasis Vulgaris

“…The present study revealed that that 68% of the studied cases had gradual onset of disease, 62.9% with progressive course and median duration of disease was 6 years ranging from 1 to 40 years. Other studies (23)(24)(25) found that most of psoriatic cases had gradual onset (96%) and 32% were progressive. The median duration of psoriasis was 18 years (26) .…”

Serum Interlukin-22 in Psoriasis Vulgaris

“…Of the studied cases; 86.7% are married versus 80% of control group. In addition, Bayomy et al [12] had examined 109 cases with PV whose ages were ranging from 18 to 66 years. The percentage of male to female ratio was 41.28/58.72%.…”