A study of Body Image and Quality of Life in Patients with Psoriasis: a study from a tertiary care center

Dr Hamir Kambariya,

Interdisciplinary Journal of Medicine and Scientific Research 2025; 1 (1); 1-5.

Abstract

Background: One form of psoriasis that can affect the skin and be seen by others is called psoriasis discolorans (PD). As a result, psoriasis patients’ quality of life (QoL), self-esteem (SE), and body image (BI) can be adversely affected by the condition.

Aims and objectives: We aimed to assess the effects of psoriasis on the QoL, SE, and BI.

Materials and methods: The study comprised 102 patients with psoriasis and 101 healthy individuals serving as control groups. We wrote down the patients’ demographics and figured out their Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores to see how much psoriasis affected each person’s life. To conduct a more in-depth examination, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), a BI scale, and a SE scale were scrutinized.

Results: QoL of the psoriasis group was significantly worse than that of the control group (P<0.00), and SE and BI were found to be significantly lower in the control group. SE and BI were significantly influenced by educational status (P <0.001), but QoL was not (P = 0.673). There was a positive correlation between PASI and the QoL (r = 0.784), but a negative correlation between PASI and BI (r = -0.544).

Conclusion: QoL, BI, SE, and psychosocial issues can all be negatively impacted by psoriasis. It’s possible that new approaches to this problem could lead to new developments in treatment and rehabilitation.Keywords: Psoriasis Area Severity Index, body image scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index, psoriasis, quality of life