Pruritus is an important factor negatively influencing the well-being of psoriatic patients.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between itch and the well-being of patients with psoriasis. In a study of 102 patients with plaque-type psoriasis, pruritus was found in 91 (89.2%) patients during exacerbation of psoriasis. No significant correlation was found between disease severity and the presence and intensity of pruritus. However, pruritus intensity correlated significantly with patients' quality of life, feelings of stigmatization, stress experienced within a period of one month before psoriasis outbreak, and depressive symptoms. In conclusion, pruritus may have a significant negative influence on the psychosocial status of patients with psoriasis. There is a need for the development of effective anti-pruritic treatments in order to improve the well-being of patients with psoriasis.
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Wroc av Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland.
Adam
A
Reich
Ewa
E
Hrehorów
Jacek C
JC
Szepietowski
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000982:Antipruritics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011044:Poland; D011537:Pruritus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013240:Stereotyping; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000982:Antipruritics