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Abstract Rational Many studies have evaluated the impact of eczema according to the established severity. However, the specific impact of the location of eczema on the quality of life (QoL) has not been assessed. Objective In the present study, we focus on the burden of disease caused by the involvement of atopic dermatitis (AD) on visible areas of the face and hands. Methodology This study mobilized for each of the six countries where it was implemented (Canada, China, Italy, Spain, Germany and France), targeting a representative sample according to the quota method of their population aged 18 years and over. QoL was assessed through the QoL index (DLQI). Results We identified 801 people who reported having suffered exclusively from AD in the past 12 months. Overall, 31.7% (n = 257) of the population considered their skin disease to be embarrassing with consequences in their personal life. Regarding stigmata, 15.7% (n = 126) of people with eczema felt rejected, 15.5% (n = 124) felt they were looked at with disgust and 33.1% (n = 265) expressed a sense of discouragement. A significant impact was observed in 31.5% (n = 145) of patients who had visible damage versus 12.3% (n = 42) of patients with no visible damage (p

The evaluation of global atopic dermatitis control is key to minimizing disease burden. The Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool (ADCT) has been developed for this purpose. Participants (diagnosed by a physician) were recruited to this observational cross-sectional study using real-life methodology and completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic and personal information. The ADCT algorithm, described by Pariser, was used to categorize patients as having controlled or uncontrolled atopic dermatitis. Data were collected for 1,606 patients. Median age of the patients was 40 years , and 1,023 (63.7%) patients were women. A total of 1,146 (71.4%) patients had uncontrolled atopic dermatitis according to the ADCT score. Patients with uncontrolled disease were at significantly higher risk of a high stress level and were more likely to be absent from work than those with controlled disease. In conclusion, a key factor for predicting disease burden in atopic dermatitis is patient self-assessed disease control in terms of multiple dimensions: stress, sleep, quality of life, work absenteeism and loss of productivity.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory diseases, and has a higher prevalence among females in adulthood. The aim of this observational, cross-sectional, survey-based study was to evaluate the impact of AD on the daily lives of adult women patients. A scientific committee composed exclusively of women constructed a specific questionnaire in partnership with the French Eczema Association. Severity of AD was evaluated with the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM). A sample of 1,009 adult women (mean age ± standard deviation: 41.8 ± 14.2 years) with AD was identified from a representative sample of the French population (82% response rate 1,230 women surveyed). According to the POEM, 50.64% (n = 511) of subjects were identified as having mild AD, 39.35% (n = 397) moderate AD, and 10.01% (n = 101) severe AD. Overall, 67.7% (n = 682) reported that their eczema involved a visible area (face, neck or hands), and 19.6% (n = 198) a sensual area (breasts/chest, genital area or buttocks). Of the 720 women with menstrual cycles, exacerbations of AD were reported to occur mostly before (50.6%) and during (48.3%) menstruation. A small proportion of women, 7.3% (n = 74), reported being afraid of becoming pregnant because of their eczema. If AD involvement was in a visible area it had a greater impact on romantic relationships, sexual relationships and occupation. If AD involvement was in a sensual area it had a greater influence on romantic relationships and sexuality. Particular attention should be given to patients with localization of AD on the face, neck or hands, as they have a higher risk of social exclusion. Moreover, these results should encourage health professionals to ask patients with AD about the possible involvement of sensual areas.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, relapsing and inflammatory skin disease. The impact of atopic dermatitis on the partners living with patients has been poorly investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of atopic dermatitis in the daily lives of adult patients and to assess the burden of the disease on their partners. A population-based study was conducted on a representative sample of the general population of French adults aged 18 years of age using stratified, proportional sampling with a replacement design. Data were collected on 1,266 atopic dermatitis patient-partner dyads (mean age of patients 41.6 years, 723 (57.1%) women). The mean age of partners was 41.8 years. Patient burden, measured by the Atopic Dermatitis Burden Scale for Adults (ABS-A) score, was closely related to the objective atopic dermatitis severity: the mean score in the mild group (29.5) was significantly lower than in the moderate (43.9) and severe groups (48.6) (p

Abstract is missing (Short communication)

The objective of this study was to explore characteristics of pruritus in atopic dermatitis (AD) in relation to the severity of AD. A web-questionnaire was used, which included the Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index, the 5-D itch scale and the Brest questionnaire. A total of 170 participants were included (86.5% women, mean age 30.9 years). Severity of AD was mild for 8.2% of patients, moderate for 38.2% and severe for 53.5%. Mean 5-D itch scale was 13.2. The mean intensity of pruritus was 5.8, and mean sleep loss was 4.7 (from 0 to 10). The participants frequently described burning (61.8%) and stinging (58.8%); these symptoms suggest a neuropathic component. Pruritus was worse in severe AD compared with moderate AD, exhibiting a higher impact on sleep and more associated symptoms. The majority of participants reported sleep disturbance as a result of pruritus. The characteristics of pruritus varied depending on the severity of AD.

Atopic dermatitis has a negative impact on quality of life in patients and their families. However, there have been very few studies of the impact of atopic dermatitis on adolescents and their relatives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of atopic dermatitis in the daily lives of adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age in the French population and to assess the burden of the disease on their families. Quality of life was measured in 399 parents of adolescents with atopic dermatitis and in the adolescents themselves. Impairment of quality of life in the adolescents was associated with disease severity. Moreover, in children aged 12–14 years, quality of life was worse with increasing age, with decreasing disease duration, and when parents had atopic dermatitis. In children aged 15–17 years quality of life was worse when the parent who answered the questionnaire was male and when the parent was