Quality of Life in Middle-aged and Older Patients With Congenital Ichthyosis

Quality of Life in Middle-aged and Older Patients With Congenital Ichthyosis: a Qualitative Study With In-depth Interviews

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the quality of life in patients with congenital ichthyosis.

The main question it aims to answer are:

• What is the impact of ichthyosis on the biological-psychological-social quality of life in adult and elderly patients with inherited ichthyosis ?

Participants will take part in individual interviews in which the investigators will explore if and how ichthyosis impacts their quality of life. Examples of such questions are whether participants experience pain, experience struggles in their personal or professional lives, with sports activities or if participants experience a financial burden.

There is limited knowledge on factors affecting the quality of life in patients with ichthyosis, especially in middle-aged and elderly patients. With this study the investigators aim to study the impact of inherited ichthyosis on the biological-psychological-social quality of life in adult and elderly patients with ichthyosis.

Secondary research questions include:

1. What is the impact of ichthyosis on the biological quality of life; by analysing physical complaints, adverse events and drug management in patients with long-term medication use of both topical and systemic treatments, and discussing the sexual health and reproductive challenges?
2. What is the impact of ichthyosis on the psychological quality of life; by examining patients' self-esteem and any clinical symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, and mental and emotional complaints such as concerns about their future care?
3. What is the impact of ichthyosis on the social quality of life; by analysing interpersonal relationships, social support dynamics, societal costs and awareness, and career opportunities?

Furthermore the investigators aim to discover knowledge gaps in current patient management and possible areas of improvement in patient care towards health professionals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 30 years of age and older
• Clinical or genetic confirmed variant of congenital ichthyosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• <30 years of age
• ichthyosis vulgaris
• another primary chronic skin condition besides ichthyosis
• patients who are not able to read/speak Dutch