Skin diseases have a strong impact on the physical and mental well-being of the patient. The large number of quality of life studies that exist confirms this. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of psoriasis on quality of life of patients in Spain. METHOD: A total of 4500 anonymous questionnaires (comprised of two scales : the Psoriasis Disability Index (PDI) plus 10 questions concerning treatment and evolution of psoriasis) were sent, via a Psoriasis Patient Support Group (AccionPsoriasis). RESULTS: A total of 1900 questionnaires were returned (June 2002): response rate 42%. An analysis of the first 810 questionnaires was realised. The sex ratio Men (M)/ Women(W) was :49/51. Mean age: 42 years. Mean age of diagnosis: 21,8 years. The average to the total score was 8.47 (s.d. 7.2 rank 0 to 39) i.e. 18,82 (s.d.:17.2) when reported to a scale of 0 to 100. Significant difference was observed between M and W for the global handicap score 20.73 vs 16.95 p<0.002. Two groups was identified: pousée de psoriasis (84%), pas de poussée de psorisis (12%) - no answers (4%). Psoriasis had a greater adverse affect on patients with crise: PDI score = 20,24 (sd 17,52) than the patient without actual crise PDI score = 8.98 (sd 11.34). This difference was significative p<0.00001. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the value of appropriate and relevant psychological and medical environment for patient suffering from psoriasis.