Self-reported Skin Diseases, Quality of Life and Medication Use: A Nationwide Pharmaco-epidemiological Survey in Sweden

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine self-reported consumption of dermatological pharmaceuticals and quality of life (QoL), measured with Short Form 36, in relation to eczema, acne, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions in the Swedish population. A questionnaire containing questions on the occurrence of skin diseases, health-related QoL and the use of pharmaceuticals was sent to a cross-sectional sample of the Swedish population, age range 18–84 years (n=8,000). The response rate was 61%. The 1-year prevalence of skin diseases was 30–35%, with females reporting a higher prevalence. The prevalence was 11.5% for eczema other than hand eczema, 10.2% for acne, 7.5% for hand eczema, 3.9% for psoriasis and 3.1% for urticaria. QoL was significantly affected and 25% of females and 19% of males had used a dermatological drug. Compared with hand eczema, persons with psoriasis and other eczema reported significantly more use of topical steroids on prescription and more use of dermatological pharmaceuticals in total. Skin conditions are common; they affect QoL and lead to a high consumption of dermatological drugs; which deserves increased awareness in the society.