Suffering and Quality of Life Impairment in Patients with Eczematous Diseases: Results from an Observational Study Assessing the Relevance of the Involvement of Two Sensitive Body Sites, Namely, the Face and Hands

Abstract

Background: Quality of life (QoL) impairment by eczematous diseases, with reference to body site involvement, has not been deeply addressed. Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess: (1) the impact on QoL of eczematous diseases affecting the face or hands; (2) any differences in QoL impairment in the case of face versus hand involvement; (3) sensitivity of Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in measuring disease-related burden. Methods: Adults with eczematous diseases of the face or hands were involved. Patients were patch tested and underwent DLQI and PRISM. Results: 143 patients were included, 43.36% with face and 56.64% with hands involvement. PRISM and DLQI scores showed a moderate to strong inverse correlation, but PRISM revealed a higher sensitivity in capturing patients’ suffering than DLQI, especially in the case of face involvement. Itching was the sole parameter significantly associated with both PRISM and DLQI scores. Conclusions: PRISM appeared to be more accurate in detecting the burden of eczematous diseases involving the face, probably due to the interception of the emotional impact, while DLQI, focusing on patient functioning, was more affected by hand involvement. Site involvement could be a criterion for selecting the best QoL assessment tool.