Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2–3% of the global population. It is characterized by erythematous scaly plaques, recurrent relapses, and variable severity. Although not life-threatening, psoriasis causes substantial psychosocial burden, embarrassment, stigma, and reduced quality of life. The disease may involve nails, scalp, joints, and other body sites. Psoriatic arthritis occurs in a subset of patients and contributes further disability. Quality of life assessment has become an essential component of psoriasis management because visible lesions often cause emotional distress disproportionate to objective disease severity. This study was conducted to analyze the demographic and clinical profile of psoriasis patients and evaluate the effect of disease severity on quality of life.

Study Design Hospital-based cross-sectional observational study. Study Setting Dermatology outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Study Duration One year. Sample Size 120 clinically diagnosed psoriasis patients. Inclusion Criteria • Age >18 years • Confirmed clinical diagnosis of psoriasis • Willing to participate Exclusion Criteria • Patients with severe systemic illness • Incomplete data • Other chronic dermatological diseases affecting QoL Data Collection Detailed history was taken regarding: • Age • Gender • Occupation • Duration of disease • Family history • Addictions • Associated arthritis Clinical examination included: • Type of psoriasis • Body surface area involved • Nail/scalp involvement • PASI scoring Quality of life was measured using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Chi-square test and Student’s t-test were used. p<0.05 considered significant.

Table 1: Demographic Profile Variable Number Percentage Male 72 60% Female 48 40% Age 18–30 yrs 26 21.7% Age 31–50 yrs 63 52.5% Age >50 yrs 31 25.8% Table 2: Clinical Types of Psoriasis Type Number Percentage Chronic plaque psoriasis 82 68.3% Guttate psoriasis 15 12.5% Palmoplantar psoriasis 11 9.2% Pustular psoriasis 7 5.8% Erythrodermic psoriasis 5 4.2% Table 3: Associated Features Feature Number Percentage Nail involvement 41 34.2% Scalp involvement 54 45.0% Joint symptoms 22 18.3% Positive family history 19 15.8% Table 4: Disease Severity and DLQI PASI Severity Cases Mean DLQI Mild (<10) 64 8.2 Moderate (10–20) 39 13.7 Severe (>20) 17 19.5 Higher PASI scores were significantly associated with worse DLQI (p<0.001).

The present study showed male predominance, similar to many Indian and international studies. Most patients were in the productive age group of 31–50 years, indicating significant socioeconomic burden. Chronic plaque psoriasis was the most common clinical type, consistent with established literature. Nail changes were common and may indicate severe disease or psoriatic arthritis risk. Quality of life impairment was considerable, with mean DLQI score of 12.8 indicating very large effect on daily life. Patients with severe psoriasis had significantly worse QoL scores. Similar observations have been reported globally. Psoriasis affects self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, occupation, and mental health. Hence treatment should address psychological and social dimensions in addition to skin clearance.

Psoriasis is a common chronic dermatosis with significant impairment of quality of life. Disease severity correlates strongly with psychosocial burden. Regular QoL assessment using DLQI, early aggressive management in severe cases, and counseling services should be integrated into dermatology practice.

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