Quality of Life in Psoriasis Vulgaris: Use of the ItchyQoL Questionnaire in a Secukinumab Phase III Trial in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

Chronic pruritus is a bothersome symptom in psoriasis vulgaris and can profoundly reduce quality of life (QoL). In this exploratory analysis of the PSORITUS study, the impact of pruritus on QoL in 130 subjects with moderate-to-severe psoriasis was assessed using the ItchyQoL questionnaire. The majority of patients (n = 127) had to scratch their itchy skin regularly, which led to painful skin and frustration (mean +/- standard deviation; SD ItchyQoL scores; 4.50 +/- 0.56; 3.80 +/- 1.09 and 4.20 +/- 0.87, respectively). Changes in either temperature or season led to worsening of itching in most of the patients (n = 126; mean +/- SD ItchyQoL score; 3.80 +/- 1.02). Many patients felt ashamed (n = 125) or embarrassed (n = 127) due to their itchy skin (mean +/- SD ItchyQoL scores; 3.90 +/- 1.26 and 3.40 +/- 1.19, respectively). The results demonstrated the ItchyQoL questionnaire as a validated tool responsive to treatment for detailed insights into chronic pruritus in patients with psoriasis.