The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is a standardized questionnaire developed to assess the quality of life of patients with skin diseases. It was published by the British dermatologist Dr. Andrew Y. Finlay et al. in 1994 and is one of the most frequently used instruments in dermatological research and clinical practice (Finlay AY et al. 1994).
DLQI
HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
The DLQI consists of 10 questions covering different aspects of quality of life in relation to skin diseases. The questions relate to:
1. symptoms and feelings: how the skin condition affects general well-being and emotional state.
2. activities of daily living: limitations in daily activities due to the skin disease.
3. work and study: impairments in work or study life.
4. social quality of life: impact on social interactions and relationships.
Each question is scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating greater impairment of quality of life. The total score can range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater impairment of quality of life due to the skin condition.
Application: The DLQI is often used in clinical trials to measure the impact of treatments on patients' quality of life. It can also be used in clinical practice to assess the severity of QoL impairment and adjust treatment strategies accordingly.
Importance: Using the DLQI helps to better understand the impact of dermatologic conditions on patients' lives and to focus not only on clinical symptoms but also on patients' overall well-being. This is particularly important as many skin conditions can have not only physical but also psychological and social impacts.
For example, the mean PASI and DLQI correlate in patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis treated with biologic agents. A reduction in PASI of at least 75% can lead to a measurable significant improvement in quality of life in these patients (Mattei PL et al. 2014).
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Finlay AY et al. (1994) Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) - a simple practical measure for routine clinical use. Clin Exp Dermatol 19: 210-216.
Mattei PL et al. (2014) Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI): the correlation between disease severity and psychological burden in patients treated with biological therapies. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 28:333-337.