Study on Quality of Life of Patients with Lichen Simplex Chronicus

Abstract

Lichen Simplex Chronicus (LSC) is a skin condition that affects the psychosocial and functional well-being of patients. Severe pruritus, sleep problems, anxiety, and depression are all linked to it.

The aim of the study is to assess the impact of LSC on patients’ quality of life (QoL) with a standardized dermatology-specific quality of life instrument- Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

The current QoL-study includes 190 out-patients who have been diagnosed with LSC. It is part of a larger LSC research project. In addition to the DLQI questionnaire, demographic data and disease-related variables were obtained. Individuals with psychiatric illnesses and/or antidepressants were not allowed to participate. The DLQI is made up of ten questions (Q1 to Q10) organized into six domains.

The total DLQI score reported by the LSC-patients is 8.58 \(\pm\) 3.348. Consequently, LSH moderately affects the QoL of the patients. Patients scores were significantly high for Q1 (symptoms), Q9 (sexual difficulties) and Q10 (treatment) (p< 0=001). No significant relationship could be found between patients’ QoL and disease-related (duration and stage) and social characteristics (urban/rural and level of education)(p=0.194).Specific for our patients was high score for Q10 (treatment) (median 2.00,range 1.00-2.00) (p< 0=001). This is the first study of its kind in our country, with the goal of determining the influence of LSH on patient QoL in both male and female patients. The DLQI has proven to be a simple and effective questionnaire approach for use in routine clinical practice.