The burden of atopic dermatitis

Background: A topic dermatitis (AD) is a dermatologic condition that affects a Mrge percentage of children and adults in the United States. The disease process is not fully understood, and, currently, there is no cure, so today's treatment methodologies on the rash and the symptOMS, e.g., pruritus. Even though there is no mortality with this condition, there is significant morbidity and burden. Objective: This review concentrated on several areas in which AD influences quality of If The areas include sham, interference with daily activities (e.g., school and/or work), psychological stressors, and the inipact on parents and caregivers. The direct and indirect costs of AD are also examined. Methods: A medical literature search was conducted Him ffocused on quality of life lOOLT healthwelated quality of hfe, and costs in patients with AD. Results: AD caused poor QOL as assessed in both generic and specific QOL questionnaires. Skin pain was frequently experienced in this condition, which zvorsons P. A sig,nificant effect on slee i -Das Tama in multiple studies. A large amount of school and/or work absenteeism and psychological stressordWaS seen patients with AD. Multiple burdens of the caregivers and parents of patients with AD were documented. Medical costs were also significantly higher compared zvith patients without AD. Conclusion: The impact o f AD is likely more significant than previously acknowledged. AD results in significant morbidity as seen through generic and specific QOL questionnaires, sleep studies, and other questWnnaires that measure psychological effects. Physicians should consider evaluating patients with AD beyorM their rash and symptoms to achieve the best care possible.