Pruritus in Psoriasis and Its Impact on the Quality of Life

Abstract

Background: Pruritus is a common and distressing symptom in patients with psoriasis, yet it is often overlooked and inadequately treated. This can lead to substantial physical, emotional, and social difficulties, negatively impacting patients’ quality of life (QoL). The study’s objectives were to evaluate the clinical and demographic profile of patients with psoriatic pruritus, assess its severity, and determine its impact on the QoL.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted among 112 patients presenting with psoriatic pruritus to the dermatology department of a tertiary care teaching hospital over a one-year period. Pruritus intensity was measured using a horizontal 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The impact of pruritus on the QoL was assessed using the validated 5-D Itch Scale (range 5 to 25). Descriptive statistical tools were employed to summarize and interpret the data.
Results: The mean age of the enrolled patients was 36±13 years. The cohort represented patients from 19 districts of Nepal. The mean duration of psoriasis was 8.9±7.3 years. The mean VAS score was 4.1±1.64 (categorized as “moderate” intensity), with the highest recorded score of 8. The mean 5-D Itch Scale score was 13.01±3.86 (categorized as “moderate” impact on the QoL), with individual scores ranging from 5 to 23.
Conclusions: Pruritus in patients with psoriasis was of moderate intensity, with a moderate impact on the quality of life. Dermatologists should be aware of the clinical burden of psoriatic pruritus and prioritize its evaluation and management as part of comprehensive psoriasis care.
Keywords: Dermatology; pruritus; psoriasis; visual analog scale.