Comparison of psychosocial outcomes of chronic facial dermatoses (acne vulgaris, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis)

Introduction and Aim: Psychosocial stress resulting from chronic facial dermatoses (acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis) contributes to the underlying pathological process that precedes it. Evaluating the patient for both is the most suitable strategy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the psychosocial impact in patients with acne, rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis. Material and Methods: Patients diagnosed with acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and the control group were compared using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS). Patients with chronic facial dermatosis were compared with the control group, as well as all other groups in pairs. Correlation analyses of disease severity, duration, education level, and psychosocial impact were conducted. Results: 420 individuals with chronic facial dermatosis (164 acne, 134 rosacea, 120 seborrheic dermatitis) and 124 healthy controls were studied. All patient groups had significantly greater DYKI, HADS, and SSQ scores than the control group. Rosacea patients had the highest DLQI and SAAS scores, as well as the highest prevalence of anxiety (%37,3). Patients with seborrheic dermatitis were more likely to be depressed (%41,5). Despite the fact that both sexes had similar HADS and SAAS ratings, women's quality of life deteriorated much more. In the patient groups, there were weakly significant relationships between disease severity and duration, education level, and scale outcomes. Discussion and Conclusion: Although chronic dermatoses of the face are rarely life-threatening, they can have a detrimental impact on mood and quality of life. Our study shows that patients with chronic facial dermatosis are psychosocially affected. Recognizing and treating the psychosocial consequences of chronic facial dermatoses will help to reduce patient stress, strengthen patient compliance, and improve treatment outcomes.