Vulval psoriasis and Impact on quality of life

[Fred]

This study is the largest single cohort investigation to date examining the clinical symptoms and management of vulval psoriasis.

Quote:

---

Background/Objectives:
To explore the clinical presentation, management and impact on quality of life in women with vulval psoriasis.

Methods:
A retrospective, single-centre cohort study of women was conducted at a large dermatology practice from January 2016 to January 2024. Sequential Vulval Quality of Life Index scores and patient data were systematically collected and recorded in an online patient database. Treatment regimens were individualised and titrated to clinical response.

Results:
The study included a total of 350 patients with vulval psoriasis over an eight-year period. 13.1% of patients required systemic treatment solely for vulval disease. The median VQLI score improved from 18.0 ± 9.4 at baseline to 9.7 ± 7.6 at the end of follow-up (p < 0.0001). All domains showed statistically significant improvements except for ‘Sexual Function’. The domains with the greatest improvement were ‘Future Health Concerns’ (69.2%, p < 0.001), ‘Feelings and Emotions’ (63.4%, p < 0.001) ‘Symptoms’ (58.6%, p < 0.001) and ‘Activities of Daily Living’ (56.8%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions and Relevance:
Vulval psoriasis has a substantial impact on quality of life but remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. While treatment can significantly improve outcomes, issues related to sexual function and relationships often persist. Systemic therapy may be required for a subset of patients with vulval-only disease. Routine assessment and targeted management of vulval involvement are crucial to optimising patient well-being.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

*Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work. Open access publishing facilitated by The University of Sydney

[Caroline]

Would not like to have it over there…

The most worrying is that the improvements do not seem to improve sexual activity…

[Fred]

The most worrying is that the improvements do not seem to improve sexual activity…

Yes you would think getting clear would improve things, maybe they should ask "why"

[Kat]

I think it's a bit vague on the "improvement" part.

Is it referring to enjoyment? or does it mean frequency? does it mean specific enjoyment as in actually enjoying the moment? So what areas did or did not improve? And if it didn't improve is it due to other issues, such as a person who isn't as interested in sex as others to begin with? or that a person in a loving relationship didn't change at all, which could be a good thing if that person was satisfied sexually either with or without vulval psoriasis..... so many questions and so little answers it seems.

[Fred]

I think it's a bit vague on the "improvement" part.

Is it referring to enjoyment? or does it mean frequency? does it mean specific enjoyment as in actually enjoying the moment?  So what areas did or did not improve?  And if it didn't improve is it due to other issues, such as a person who isn't as interested in sex as others to begin with? or that a person in a loving relationship didn't change at all, which could be a good thing if that person was satisfied sexually either with or without vulval psoriasis..... so many questions and so little answers it seems.

I think any study is better than none, but I do see your point and hopefully the authors or others will look deeper into the results.

[Kat]

I think any study is better than none, but I do see your point and hopefully the authors or others will look deeper into the results.

I agree. I don't always understand what they mean or what the results actually show but most of the time that's on me. I've said it quite a bit and will say it again........ I do NOT have a scientific mind! Science amazes me, but often eludes me even when explained.

But the sex part, I understood.

[Fred]

But the sex part, I understood. 

[Forest Walker]

But the sex part, I understood.