dermatology

DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index)

Dermatology Life Quality Index (Finlay & Khan 1994): 10 questions about the last week, each scored 0–3, total 0–30. DLQI > 10 = very large effect; with PASI ≥ 10 it defines severe psoriasis for NICE 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? (If not: how much has it been a problem at work 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 on Quality of Life (DLQI 0–1) 0–1

DLQI 0–1: no effect on the patient's life.

→ Continue topical management; reassure; review at next visit

Small Effect on Quality of Life (DLQI 2–5) 2–5

DLQI 2–5: small effect.

→ Continue topical management; reassure; review at next visit

Moderate Effect on Quality of Life (DLQI 6–10) 6–10

DLQI 6–10: moderate effect.

→ Consider systemic therapy or phototherapy; psychosocial support; reassess treatment response; dermatology referral if not responding to topicals

Very Large Effect on Quality of Life (DLQI 11–20) 11–20

DLQI 11–20: very large effect.

→ Psoriasis: DLQI > 10 with PASI ≥ 10 is the NICE definition of severe disease for biologic therapy (when conventional systemic therapy and phototherapy have not worked or are unsuitable); refer to secondary care dermatology; discuss biologic options; assess for comorbidities (psoriatic arthritis, IBD, metabolic syndrome)

Extremely Large Effect on Quality of Life (DLQI 21–30) 21–30

DLQI 21–30: extremely large effect.

→ Psoriasis: DLQI > 10 with PASI ≥ 10 is the NICE definition of severe disease for biologic therapy (when conventional systemic therapy and phototherapy have not worked or are unsuitable); refer to secondary care dermatology; discuss biologic options; psychosocial support; assess for comorbidities (psoriatic arthritis, IBD, metabolic syndrome)

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

References

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Pathways

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

Score interpretation

References

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