Improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index Score predicts improvement in skin pain over time in patients with psoriasis

Abstract

Pain and discomfort are common and often severe skin symptoms in patients with psoriasis. However, no studies have investigated skin pain and discomfort over time, or factors that explain changes in these symptoms. The aims of the present study were to describe the changes in skin pain, skin discomfort and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) over time, and to investigate whether change in PASI predicted change in skin pain intensity. A total of 129 patients participated in this exploratory, longitudinal study. Data were obtained through interviews and questionnaires. The results indicated reduction in skin symptoms and psoriasis severity over a period of 3 months. However, a majority of patients with skin pain at baseline reported also skin pain at follow-up. Furthermore, changes in PASI predicted changes in skin pain intensity. In conclusion, improvement in psoriasis severity predicts improvement in skin pain. Key words: PASI; skin pain; psoriasis.