Illness Perception, Perceived Social Support and Quality of Life in Patients with Pemphigus Vulgaris: What Should Dermatologists Know?

Data regarding the impact of psychological factors in patients with pemphigus is sparse. This study evaluated the correlation of demographic, clinical, and psychological parameters with quality of life in 58 patients with pemphigus. Illness perception showed a realistic view, with the highest scores for cyclical course and treatment control. Mean scores for perceived social support were: 5.89 ± 0.18 from family, 5.66 ± 0.23 from others, and 4.55 ± 0.24 from friends. There were no correlations between demographic, clinical parameters, perceived social support, and Dermatology Life Quality Index. Beliefs in cyclical course, emotional influence, psychological cause, and treatment control correlated significantly with quality of life. Stronger beliefs in self-control, chronicity, and accidental cause predicted higher quality of life, while stronger beliefs in cyclical course, psychological cause, and risk factors predicted lower quality of life. These results indicate a significant influence of psychological factors on quality of life in patients with pemphigus.