The Skindex instruments to measure the effects of skin disease on quality of life

Abstract

Skindex-29 and Skindex-16 are validated measures of the effects of skin diseases on patients' quality of life. This article reviews the development of both versions of Skindex, discusses their measurement properties and interpretability, and gives examples of how they have been used and adapted for dermatologic research internationally. Studies of quality of life in patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer are described to illustrate the use of Skindex to understand quality of life and to compare effectiveness of different treatments for this highly prevalent condition.

Published by Elsevier Inc.

Figures

Figure 1

Original hypothesized conceptual framework for the effects of skin disease on the quality of life of affected patients.

Figure 2

Refined conceptual framework for the effects of skin disease on the quality of life of affected patients.