Atopic dermatitis negatively impacts patients socially and psychologically, survey reports

Adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis reported that the disease impacted their lives socially and psychologically, according to survey results.

There were 505 American adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who participated in an online survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, according to a press release. The results were released as part of a national awareness campaign during Eczema Awareness Month.

More than half of the respondents (53%) reported that the disease had negatively impacted their daily lives, while 82% of respondents had made lifestyle modifications, including avoiding social engagements, being in pictures or participating in sports, according to the release.

Negative impact on confidence was reported by 55% of respondents, while 49% reported that sleep had been negatively impacted by the disease.

Depression was reported by 23% of respondents and anxiety was reported by 28% of respondents.

Twenty percent of the respondents reported that atopic dermatitis impacted the ability to keep employment, and 16% reported career choices that limited face-to-face interaction with others because of the disease, according to the release.

Most of the respondents (70%) reported often or sometimes experiencing flares while on treatment.

“Despite currently available treatment options, people living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis still struggle to manage their disease,” Susan Tofte, MS, BSN, FNP-C, a past president of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association, stated in the release. “These survey results reaffirm what our community of nurses sees regularly with the people they are treating for this disease — the total impact goes beyond the physical symptoms.”

Reference: www.regeneron.com