Abstract Clobetasol benefits to control psoriasis lesions are well defined, but there were not studies about its action when used in lacquer vehicle to control skin lesions. A double-blind study was conducted with 40 patients that utilized clobetasol 0.05% in one hemibody and just the vehicle in the other hemibody. Twenty of them used petrolatum as vehicle and the others used lacquer. An assessment was conducted using the clinical index PASI and a quality of life questionnaire (Dermatological Life Quality Index). There was no statistical difference between groups. There was a trend of favorable response particularly in the hemibody treated with clobetasol.

FUNDAMENTO: A psoríase é uma dermatose inflamatória crônica caracterizada por lesões eritemato-descamativas que atingem extensas áreas da pele, comprometendo a qualidade de vida dos pacientes por interferir na sua vida pessoal, no relacionamento social e nas atividades diárias. O tratamento permite um bom controle, mas a impressão do paciente, quase sempre, é pouco valorizada. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes psoriáticos, verificar se há correlação desta com melhoras clínicas e se há equivalência entre dois questionários de qualidade de vida. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes maiores de 18 anos que estavam no início ou troca de tratamento no ambulatório de psoríase do Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp. Eles responderam dois questionários de qualidade de vida (Psoriasis Disability Index e Dermatological Life Quality Index), até completar 180 atendimentos, para avaliar se haveria correlação entre os questionários. Receberam também um índice clínico (Índice de Área e de Severidade da Psoríase) no tempo inicial da pesquisa e nos retornos subsequentes. RESULTADOS: A pesquisa foi realizada com 138 pacientes (76 homens, idade média de 50 anos). Observou-se correlação entre os questionários aplicados e o índice clínico, mostrando que alterações clínicas se refletem na qualidade de vida, e que há equivalência entre os questionários. CONCLUSÃO: Constatou-se que a maioria dos pacientes atendidos no ambulatório tem apresentado melhora clínica e da qualidade de vida e que há equivalência entre os questionários de qualidade de vida.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis characterized by erythematous, scaly lesions covering extensive areas of the skin and negatively affecting patients' quality of life by interfering in their personal life, social relationships and routine activities. Treatment offers reasonable control of the condition; however, little importance is generally given to the patient's impression. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with psoriasis, to verify whether there is a correlation between quality of life and clinical improvement and to compare two quality of life questionnaires and evaluate their equivalence. METHODS: Patients over 18 years of age attending the psoriasis outpatient clinic at the Teaching Hospital of the University of Campinas (UNICAMP), who were either initiating treatment or changing to a new form of treatment, were included in the study. Patients answered two quality of life questionnaires (the Psoriasis Disability Index and the Dermatological Life Quality Index) up to a total of 180 consultations to evaluate whether there is a correlation between the questionnaires. Patients were also rated using a clinical index (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) at baseline and at follow-up visits. RESULTS: The study involved 138 patients (76 men; mean age 50 years). A correlation was found between the questionnaires and the clinical index, showing that clinical changes are reflected in quality of life. The two questionnaires were found to be equivalent. CONCLUSION: It was found that both clinical condition and quality of life improved in the majority of patients receiving care at this outpatient clinic and that the quality of life questionnaires are equivalent.