Quality of life in children with psoriasis: results from a monocentric study

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can impair quality of life and psychological status not only in adult patients, but also in children. Few data about quality of life in children with psoriasis are available in literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact on the quality of life in children with psoriasis and the relationship with severity, localization, age at onset, duration and family history of psoriasis. METHODS: Health-related quality of life was assessed in 110 children and adolescents with psoriasis using a validated Italian version of the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index. Clinical and anamnestic data were collected in all patients. RESULTS: The mean value of Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index was 4.20 +/- 3.73. Multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant correlation of the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index with the severity of psoriasis (P<0.001) and with the presence of psoriasis in visible areas (P<0.001) independently from the severity. CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis has a remarkable social and psychological impact on life, also in children. Quality of life should be assessed in children with psoriasis also when psoriasis is mild but localized in visible areas.