Quality of life in patients with seborrhoeic dermatitis in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

To the Editor: Skin diseases may have a severe effect on the quality of life (QOL) of affected individuals, [1,2] but their impact has rarely been investigated in the developing world. In South Africa, there have been no studies conducted on patients with sebor rhoeic dermatitis (SD). A crosssectional study was undertaken in the ILembe District, KwaZuluNatal Province, assessing the QOL of patients presenting with SD, correlating clinical severity and demographic parameters. Fortyfive consenting participants, with a clinical diagnosis of SD, were invited to participate. QOL was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). [3] The severity of the condition was assessed by a dermatologist and graded at individual sites for erythema, thickness, scaling and pruritus on a threepoint scale. Body surface area involvement was calculated using the rule of nines and the sites of involvement were recorded. A detailed demographic profile was completed for each patient (Table 1). The median severity score was 24 and the median DLQI score was 17, which equates to a very large effect on the QOL. [3] The QOL varied depending on sex, educational level, ethnic origin, home language, marital status, residence, HIV status and site of involvement. Female patients were more negatively influenced by the disease, confirming the findings in three other studies. [46] Patients with no formal schooling were more adversely affected. The way the questions were interpreted and the perception of disability may explain the differences in DLQI between the groups. Visible body areas and groin involvement had a greater impact on a patient's QOL.

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