Advice

Terms used in this evidence summary

Terms used in this evidence summary

Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)

The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire is a qualitative measure of how a person's skin condition is impacting on their life. DLQI can be used for many dermatology conditions, not just hyperhidrosis. The person is asked 10 questions covering a number of factors including symptoms, embarrassment, activities and relationships. The DLQI is scored from 0 to 30, with higher scores suggesting a greater impairment in quality of life. The DLQI has been validated for assessing quality of life associated with hyperhidrosis.

Meaning of DLQI Scores

0–1 = no effect at all on patient's life

2–5 = small effect on patient's life

6–10 = moderate effect on patient's life

11–20 = very large effect on patient's life

21–30 = extremely large effect on patient's life

Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS)

The Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) is a validated, qualitative measure of severity of hyperhidrosis based on how it affects daily activities. The patient is asked 1 question: 'How would you rate the severity of your hyperhidrosis?' with 4 possible answers, scored from 1 to 4:

  1. My sweating is never noticeable and never interferes with my daily activities

  2. My sweating is tolerable but sometimes interferes with my daily activities

  3. My sweating is barely tolerable and frequently interferes with my daily activities

  4. My sweating is intolerable and always interferes with my daily activities

A score of 3 or 4 indicates severe hyperhidrosis. A score of 1 or 2 indicates mild or moderate hyperhidrosis.