Do Skin Conditions Affect the Quality of Life?

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The Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) recently conducted a study where researchers sought to understand whether having a pigmentation-related skin condition can impact a person's quality of life. The researchers began this study by first discovering what tool would be best to measure the impacts on patients.

The researchers compared the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Skin Discoloration Impact Evaluation Questionnaire (SDIEQ) by using both scales to analyze 321 adult participants with hyperpigmentation

After conducting the analysis, it was discovered that both tools were similarly effective in measuring the quality of life, but the SDIEQ was a simpler and faster method. Neelam Vashi, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at BUSM and director of the Boston University Cosmetic and Laser Center at Boston Medical Center explained how further studies would need to be completed validate the use of these tools in different patient population and on other pigmentation disorders. 

"Knowing how a condition impacts a patients' quality of life is essential and a helpful guide in making treatment choices," continued Vashi. "Measuring health-related quality of life is also important in patients when it comes to allocation of resources."

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