The 5-D Itch Scale Explains Sleep Impairment Beyond Visual Analogue Scale in Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study

Background

/Objectives: Pruritus and depression are established contributors to sleep impairment in psoriasis, yet most studies assess pruritus using unidimensional intensity scales such as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Whether a multidimensional pruritus instrument explains sleep impairment beyond conventional intensity measures has not been directly tested. This study compared the explanatory value of the multidimensional 5-D Itch Scale and unidimensional VAS for sleep impairment in psoriasis, identified independent predictors of sleep quality, and compared sleep, depression, and quality of life between patients with psoriasis and matched controls.