Quality of life in atopic dermatitis patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of AD on the quality of life of children or adults and to identify the area of patients' lives most affected by the disease. METHODS Eighty six patients with AD who were referred to an immunology clinic and 98 patients (>4 years old) attending a general clinic acting as controls (without any chronic or severe disease) participated in this survey. A physician filled the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) questionnaire for 4-16 year old children and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire for individuals more than 16 years via face-to-face interview. RESULTS There were significant differences between the mean of CDLQI score and DLQI score in case and control groups (p<0.001). For children and adults with AD, the mean score of each question was significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study agreed with previous findings that AD has a major impact on physical well-being. The individuals dealing with AD and their families need more than just the physical treatment of symptoms. Educational and psychological support for patients and their families in addition to medical treatment of AD may improve their long-term physical outcomes.