Dermatology A

DLQI — Dermatology Life Quality Index

10-item patient-reported outcome measure for quality of life in skin conditions. Combined with PASI to assess biologic eligibility.

How itchy, sore, painful or stinging has your skin been?

How embarrassed or self-conscious have you been?

How much has your skin interfered with going shopping, caring for home or garden?

How much has your skin influenced the clothes you wear?

How much has your skin affected any social or leisure activities?

How much has your skin made it difficult to do any sport?

Has your skin prevented you from working or studying?

How much has your skin created problems with your partner, close friends or relatives?

How much has your skin caused any sexual difficulties?

How much of a problem has the treatment for your skin been?

Score interpretation

No Effect 0–1

DLQI 0–1: No effect on patient's life

→ No change in management required for quality of life

Small Effect 2–5

DLQI 2–5: Small effect

→ Optimise topical therapy; patient education

Moderate Effect 6–10

DLQI 6–10: Moderate effect

→ Review treatment plan; consider second-line or phototherapy

Very Large Effect 11–20

DLQI 11–20: Very large effect on life

→ If DLQI >10 AND PASI >10: eligible for biologic therapy (NICE criteria); refer to secondary care dermatology

Extremely Large Effect 21–30

DLQI 21–30: Extremely large effect

→ Urgent dermatology referral; biologic therapy consideration; psychosocial support

Interpretation bands for the DLQI. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

Finlay AY, Khan GK. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) — a simple practical measure for routine clinical use. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1994;19(3):210-216.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.