Dermatology life quality index in patients with persisting and recurrent dermatophytoses

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Dermatophytosis is the most common fungal infection, which has recurrent and persisting course because of topical steroid abuse, irregular treatment and poor hygiene. Dermatology life quality index (DLQI) is a questionnaire based survey method to assess the impact and severity of many dermatology specific diseases and infections. There is paucity in the literature on the impact of dermatophytosis on the quality of life (Qol). The aim of the study was to assess the impact of dermatophytosis and its sequelae on quality of life.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> A total of 186 patients with recurrent and persistent dermatophytosis were selected for Qol questionnaire for a period of six months and statistical analysis was performed using t test to determine the impact of dermatophytosis on Qol.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Male to female ratio was 2.7:1, most cases were between 25 to 45 years age group. Thigh fold and gluteal region were the most common sites involved. Mean DLQI score was 12.7. The DLQI scores were statistically influenced by age of the patient, duration of the infection and site of involvement.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> This study revealed significant impairment of Qol in dermatophytosis patients. Assurance and counselling along with early and prompt treatment plays a significant role in reducing disease related psychosocial sequelae and increase the efficacy of treatment.</p>

A study to assess the quality of life (QOL) of patients suffering from tinea corporis attending dermatology OPD of a tertiary care centre of Eastern India

“…In the present study, it was found that the DLQI score had a positive correlation with duration, that is QOL is more impaired in TC patients if the duration of the disease is more. Similar findings were reported in the study conducted by Rajashekar TS et al [18]. The minimum body surface area involved was < 2% and the maximum was >10% in the present study.…”

“…However, there is no statistically significant correlation between Gender & DLQI score (P=0.2828) in the present study. The study by Rajashekar TS et al, had also mentioned that DLQI scores compared between males and females does not show any statistical significance [18]. The least duration of disease in the present study was less than 10 weeks & the highest duration was more than 60 weeks.…”

“…In the present study there was no correlation between age and DLQI score. However, in the study by Rajashekar TS et al, the mean DLQI score increased as age of the patients with TC increased [18]. Similar increase in DLQI score with increase in age has been observed in other studies regarding other dermatoses like alopecia areata, acne and psoriasis [19,20,21,22,23,24].…”

“…Another study conducted by Rajashekar [18]. The mean & standard deviation of the DLQI score among the female patients and male patients respectively were 11.61 ± 5.9470 and 13.21±5.9244 in that same study [18].…”

“…The present study has also shown that DLQI score has a positive correlation with the body surface area involvement, that is QOL in TC patients is more hampered if the body surface area involved is more. Rajashekar TS et al, also found that and if the body surface area involved is more there is more adverse effect on the quality of life [18].…”