Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: 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.
DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14492
Authors: Michelle Wu, Gayle Fischer
Institutions: The University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,160
Funder: University of Sydney
OpenAlex ID: W4409942771