BACKGROUNDAutoimmune bullous dermatoses are complex diseases triggered by autoantibodies action against epidermal antigens or the dermoepidermal junction. Blisters and vesicles that evolve with erosion areas characterize them. Although rare, they present high morbidity, affecting the quality of life of patients.OBJECTIVESTo assess the magnitude of autoimmune bullous dermatoses on life quality of patients treated in a public university service in countryside of Brazil.METHODSThis cross-sectional study was based on an inquiry with autoimmune bullous dermatoses patients assisted at outpatient university referral service. Elements related to quality of life were evaluated by the Dermatology Life Quality Index, as well as clinical and demographic data.RESULTSThe study evaluated 43 patients with pemphigus foliaceus, 32 with pemphigus vulgaris, 6 with bullous pemphigoid and 3 with dermatitis herpetiformis. The average age was 48 ± 16 years and 34 (40%) were female. The median score (p25-p75) of the Dermatology Life Quality Index was 16 (9-19), classified as "severe impairment" of life quality, in which the greater impact was related to symptoms and feelings, daily and leisure activities.CONCLUSIONSAutoimmune bullous dermatoses inflict severe impairment of quality of life for patients followed by a public outpatient clinic in the countryside of Brazil.

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There are few populational studies to estimate the dimension of dermatological diseases. We performed a survey with 515 employees from UNESP campus, Botucatu (SP), exploring demographic data, medical appointments and dermatological diagnoses. Additionally, we induced questions about prevalent diseases. Appointments to the dermatologist were reported by 77% of subjects. The main dermatoses spontaneously reported were mycoses, allergies, nevi and viral warts. There were association of juvenile acne and males (OR=2.3), melasma and females (OR=8.0), and onychomycosis with older age (OR=1.05). Surveys are important to know the demand for dermatology care, besides directing formulation of public health policy and medical education.

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Abstract:The symbolic representation of a disease is related to personal perceptions and cultural background. In the present study, the authors evaluate the population knowledge and fears related to skin and other prevalent or severe diseases. This survey was based on a semi-structured form to investigate demographic aspects, dermatologic consultations, fears and knowledge of 19 dermatoses and 11 prevalent or severe diseases. We interviewed 302 people, of which 54% were women and the mean age was 39 years. Some fears of dermatoses surpass those of severe diseases. Skin cancer and total alopecia disclosed fears similar to that of myocardial infarction. -fundament, fundamentals -objective, objectives -method, methods -result, results -conclusion, conclusions Keywords: Dermatology; Fear; Knowledge; Skin diseases; Social stigma Resumo: A representação simbólica de doenças é ligada a percepções pessoais e raízes culturais. Neste estudo os autores avaliam o conhecimento e temores relacionados a dermatoses e outras doenças prevalentes ou graves na população. Este inquérito foi baseado em formulário semiestruturado para avaliar aspectos demográficos, consulta a dermatologistas, temores e conhecimento sobre 19 dermatoses e 11 doenças prevalentes ou graves. Foram entrevistadas 302 pessoas, sendo 54% do sexo feminino e a idade média, 39 anos. Certos temores de dermatoses superaram os de doenças graves, além disso, câncer de pele e alopecia total representaram temores semelhantes ao infarto do miocárdio.