Impact on the Quality of Life of Dermatological Patients in Southern Brazil

The study, involving 548 patients at a dermatology clinic in southern Brazil, used the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) to measure the impact of skin diseases on quality of life. It found that skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and acne significantly affected patients' quality of life, with psoriasis having the most considerable impact. Quality of life was also influenced by factors like age, marital status, income, and disease duration, with younger, single, and lower-income individuals experiencing a greater negative impact. The study emphasized the importance of assessing quality of life in clinical management and highlighted the need for integrated care for those at higher risk of poor quality of life outcomes. It suggested that future research should evaluate the changes in quality of life following treatment, particularly for chronic conditions.