OBJECTIVES: Patients suffering from psoriasis witness a loss of quality of life and are particularly exposed to social stigma and discrimination, leading to depression.

METHODS: Psoriatic patients, who spontaneously consulted their doctor, were invited to participate . Each patient completed DLQI and SF12. And their partner completed the FamilyPso and SF12.

RESULTS: As part of this pilot study, 124 individuals were evaluated. 114 were deemed relevant for this study, and 62,3%were men. For men with psoriasis, the DLQI & SF-12 scores in the mental dimension were 8.5 & 42 respectively, in the least severe group and 13.7 & 35, respectively, in the most severe group (<0.005). Among their partners, the FamilyPso and SF-12 scores in their mental dimension were 16.9 & 40.2, respectively, in the least severe group, 18.4 & 41.6, respectively, in the most severe group (NS). 35% of male subjects reported that their partner’s psoriasis had an impact on their social life, and 22% stated that it had a negative impact on their libido.In women with psoriasis, the DLQI & SF-12 scores in their mental dimension were 7.7 & 45.6, respectively, in the least severe group, 15.5 & 29.6, respectively, in the most severe group (<0.005). As for their partners, the FamilyPso and SF12 scores in their mental dimension were 15.7 & 40.1, respectively, in the least severe group, and 25.5 & 31.2, respectively, in the most severe group. (<0,005). 44% of female subjects’ partners reported that their partner’s psoriasis had an impact on their social life, and 55% reported that it had a negative impact on their libido.

CONCLUSIONS: Being the partner of a female suffering from psoriasis seems to have a greater impact on one's day-to-day life, family relations and relationship. Twice as many partners of female patients reported lower libido compared to those of male patients.