The impact of acne vulgaris on the quality of life and psychologic status in patients from upper Egypt

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease. Although neither life threatening nor physically debilitating, acne can severely affect social and psychologic functioning. Aim To study the overall impact of acne vulgaris on the quality of life and psychologic functioning of patients in Egypt.

Methods: One hundred and fifty patients with acne vulgaris and 50 healthy controls were evaluated. Acne patients were evaluated using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Culture Free Self-Esteem Inventory - Adult Version (CFSEI-AD), and Symptom Check List-90 - Revised (SCL-90-R). The controls were evaluated using SCL-90-R and CFSEI-AD.

Results: The mean DLQI scores of male acne patients were found to be higher than those of female patients with regard to symptoms and feelings, daily activities, personal relationships, and treatment; however, the differences were significant for leisure (P = 0.005) and total score (P = 0.022) only. The CFSEI-AD score of patients was significantly lower than that of controls (P = 0.001). Acne patients had significantly higher scores than controls in all items of the SCL-90-R. Significant positive correlations were found between the duration and severity of illness and DLQI and SCL-90-R scores. There was a significant negative correlation between the duration and severity of acne and CFSEI-AD scores.

Conclusion: Acne vulgaris has a significant effect on the quality of life. Our results highlight the importance of recognizing psychiatric comorbidity in acne patients.