The impact of skin disease on the quality of life of adolescents.

Though relatively well-investigated in adults, the impact of skin disease on the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of adolescents has only recently begun to be systematically evaluated. The primary goal of this article is to critically review previous research that has examined the relationship between HRQL and three types of skin disease commonly experienced by adolescents, namely acne vulgaris, alopecia areata, and atopic dermatitis. A secondary goal is to provide strategies to adolescent medicine physicians that will enable them to more effectively manage the psychological components of their patients dermatological conditions.