Pilot study of sexual dysfunction in patients with psoriasis: influence of biologic therapy

Indian J Dermatol. 2011 Nov;56(6):694-9. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.91831.

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that affects 1 to 3% of the population in most industrialized countries. It is commonly associated with a variety of psychological problems including low self-esteem, depression, suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction.

Materials and methods: WE HAVE PERFORMED A PILOT STUDY IN WHICH WE HAVE TRIED TO ASSESS THE IMPACT ON SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIASIS WHO HAVE STARTED TREATMENT WITH BIOLOGICAL THERAPY USING VALIDATED INDEXES IN SPANISH: International Index of Erectile Function for men and female sexual function index in women.

Results: Considering the men and women from our study, an improvement in FSFI by an average of 9.5 and 6.3 points is observed, respectively.

Conclusion: We considered our series as a first step for a more detailed approach to the study of sexual function in patients with psoriasis.

Keywords: Biological therapy; psoriasis; sexual dysfunction.