Effect of lockdown due to COVID-19 on health and lifestyle of psoriasis patients: A web-based survey

Background: Chronic skin diseases like psoriasis affect a patient's physical, psychological, and social functioning as well as well-being, and the lockdown acted as a cofactor in further worsening the quality of life in psoriasis patients. Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the effect of lockdown on the health, lifestyle, and mental well-being of psoriasis patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using an online questionnaire shared through messenger applications to the patients of chronic plaque psoriasis who registered in the psoriasis clinic between August 2020 and December 2020. Data regarding demographics, psoriasis, lifestyle changes, mental status, financial loss, and problems faced during lockdown were collected. Results: Our study included 181 completed questionnaires. The mean age was 37.7 (SD 13.9) years, and 124 (68.5%) were males. Sixty-five (35.9%) patients reported worsening of their psoriasis during the lockdown. Ordinal regression analysis revealed male sex had a higher proportion of worsening of psoriasis (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.29-5.08, P < 0.007). Duration of illness <6 months (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02-0.98, P < 0.04) and feeling relaxed (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.56, P < 0.005) were negatively associated with disease worsening. Conclusion: The findings of our study reveal the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown on the life of people with psoriasis. A substantial number of patients had a flare of psoriasis during the lockdown. A shorter duration of illness and relaxed mental status was negatively associated with disease worsening. Individuals with financial loss felt anxious or depressed.