Skin scar preconceptions must be challenged

摘要: Introduction Greater objective scar severity and visibility should intuitively cause greater psychosocial distress for patients. Previous research is contradictory has often employed non-validated measures whilst neglecting patient-rated severity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects severity, type location on distress. Methods Patients were recruited from a specialist service at plastic surgery clinic. Skin scars quantitatively assessed using ―Manchester Scar Scale‖ (MSS) – validated measure with high inter-rater reliability correlation histological clinical findings. Scars scored twice independently: first consultation later photographs their mean provided final score. also rated as very good‘; neutral‘; fair‘; or poor‘ completed Derriford Appearance Scale (DAS24) Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results Eighty-three patients (57 women, 69%), an average age 34 +/15 (16 65) years recruited. Mean questionnaire scores were: DAS24 45.8 +/17.9 (15 91); DLQI 7.5 +/6.6 (0 26). Participants had 2.4 +/4.3 (1 30) MSS score 33.4 +/53.3 (5.4 480) subjective 2.6 +/1.2 4). Correlation between not significant (Kendall‘s tau: 0.16 p=0.07; p=0.06), though 0.47 p<0.0001; 0.58 p<0.0001). non-visible experienced than visible (mean difference: 10.4 p=0.030; 4.1 p=0.013). unrelated Conclusions Patient-rated are correlated patient rather clinician‘s rating type. Although counter-intuitive, results consistent into other disfiguring conditions therefore form integral part assessment. In addition improving we recommend that treatment address factors improve self-perception quality life (QoL). Currently there no directly scar-related QoL, which be developed in order future management