Atopic dermatitis: Burden of illness, quality of life, and associated complications

Allergy Asthma Proc. 2017 Jan 1;38(1):3-8. doi: 10.2500/aap.2017.38.4005.

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronically relapsing inflammatory skin condition that is burdensome for individuals with the disease, their families, and for society as a whole.

Objectives: The purpose of this review was to provide a broad overview of the burden of atopic dermatitis, including quality of life and its associated complications.

Methods and results: This article was divided into four main sections: (1) atopic dermatitis prevalence, persistence, and population-level burden; (2) burden of atopic dermatitis for individuals and their families; (3) medical complications and comorbidities of atopic dermatitis; and (4) assessment of the burden of atopic dermatitis in clinical practice.

Conclusion: Having an understanding of the burden of atopic dermatitis is important for clinicians as they assess and manage atopic dermatitis in the clinical setting.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Comorbidity
  • Cost of Illness*
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / diagnosis
  • Dermatitis, Atopic / epidemiology*
  • Family
  • Humans
  • Population Surveillance
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Prevalence
  • Quality of Life*