Quality of Life in Patients With Scabies

Scabies is a common parasitic skin infection that causes significant morbidity worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings like Pakistan. Despite its prevalence, the psychosocial and quality of life (QoL) impact of scabies is often under-recognized in routine clinical care. This study aimed to determine the impact of scabies on the QoL in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Medical Institute (PGMI)/Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, between August 2023 and February 2024. A total of 164 patients aged 15-50 years with clinically diagnosed scabies were enrolled. QoL was assessed using the Modified Dermatology Life Quality Index (mDLQI), and scores were categorized into no, mild, moderate, or severe effect. Of 164 patients, 26 (15.9%) reported no effect on QoL, 35 (21.3%) mild, 54 (32.9%) moderate, and 49 (29.9%) severe effect. Overall, 62.8% experienced moderate to severe impairment. Scabies significantly affects patients' QoL, and routine QoL assessment should be incorporated into dermatologic management to address both physical and psychosocial aspects of the disease.