The impact of skin disorders on patients’ quality of life in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Skin diseases is a common worldwide problem. It affected every aspect of patients' quality of life (QOL) mainly physically, socially and psychologically. Objectives: to assess the impact of skin disorders on patients' quality of life and to identify factors associated with it. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatient dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. A random sample of 145 patients with acne, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD) were interviewed using DLQI questionnaire during their scheduled follow-up appointments at dermatology clinic. Main outcome measure: Self-reported patients' QOL due to their skin diseases. Results and discussion: Out of three skin diseases psoriasis patients had the highest prevalence (39.3%) followed by AD (34.5%) and acne (26.2%). Patients' QOL was highly infl uenced by their skin conditions especially on working/schooling domain. Furthermore, several factors were identifi ed, namely age, working environment, concurrent skin diseases, usage of supplement for skin diseases and type of food as aggravating factors-that may infl uence patients' QOL. QOL among females and younger adults was found to be more signifi cantly infl uenced as compared to males and elderly. With respect to working environment, those who had both indoor and outdoor working environment showed the highest impact of their skin conditions on their QOL. Single patients were more infl uenced by their skin conditions when compared to those who are married, however it was not signifi cant. Conclusion: Our fi ndings revealed skin disease had negatively impacted individual QOL with different level of aspects. Among the three diseases, AD patients had the worst impact on QOL. Signifi cant predictors of QOL did not relate solely to skin diseases but also other factors such as type of food and working environment.

Promising Natural Products in New Drug Design, Development, and Therapy for Skin Disorders: An Overview of Scientific Evidence and Understanding Their Mechanism of Action

“…In fact, 50% of the adult population have suffered from some type of skin disorder at one point in their lives, with one in three having the chronic or mild condition. 1 According to Kassab et al, 2 skin disorders remain one of the biggest challenges that affect the quality-of-life of adults and teenagers alike.…”

“…For example, high dietary consumption of oily or fatty food, sweet food, chocolates, dairy products, and nuts is related with facial acne or acne worsening. 2 Other risk factors contributing to a worsening of skin disease include the socioeconomic status of the population. Lower socioeconomic status may have an impact on access to healthcare, 14 resulting in a higher demand for skin infection and eczema treatment in this population group.…”

“… 1 Skin disorders generally have a greater effect on patients as they mostly affect the quality-of-life. Kassab et al 2 reported that skin disorders impact the daily physical, social, and psychological features of patients. Physical impact is the severity of the rash and the area which may contribute to itching and flaking.…”

“…Psoriasis is another important skin condition that leads to severe itching if not carefully treated. 2 Meanwhile, social impact is the relationship between humans in which an individual with skin disease may isolate himself. Finally, anxiety and depression are two psychological impacts of skin disorders incurred as a result of frustration and embarrassment.…”

“…Finally, anxiety and depression are two psychological impacts of skin disorders incurred as a result of frustration and embarrassment. 2 …”