Study Reveals Severe Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Women's Quality of Life and Reproductive Health

Atopic dermatitis (AD) can significantly affect the quality of life (QoL), sexual health and desire to have children in those with the chronic condition. While these symptoms can be severe, most patients don't talk about these issues with their dermatologists, according to a recent study published in Acta Dermato Venereologica.

AD is a common skin condition affecting up to 17% of adults, causing symptoms such as itching, pain, sleep problems, anxiety and depression.

Because these symptoms impact patients' quality of life, including their social, family, work and sexual lives, it leads to lower productivity and other serious consequences.

The condition has also been linked to sexual dysfunction (SD), which includes various conditions that impair sexual response or pleasure.

Previous studies have found that AD particularly disrupts women's sexual health and reproductive desires, with more severe symptoms and lesions in sensitive areas leading to worse outcomes.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that AD patients also often experience significant psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, ADHD and suicidality. The severity of AD correlates strongly with the likelihood of developing these conditions.

A severe cycle of itch, poor sleep and psychological distress hightens these problems. Studies highlight the need for comprehensive care, addressing both skin symptoms and mental health to improve overall well-being.

While AD is a common condition, it’s impact on variables such as sexual function and reproductive health is not well understood. In addition, many women with AD are under-treated during pregnancy due to concerns about medication side effects.

To explore how AD affects sexual function and reproductive health in women, the study’s researchers conducted a cross-sectional study from February to March of 2022, where women aged 18 years and older with AD were surveyed anonymously online through the Spanish AD Association (AADA).

The survey collected information on demographics, habits such as smoking and drinking, and AD severity using Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD). QoL was measured with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) and World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL).

Sexual function was assessed with a numeric rating scale (NRS) and Female Sexual Function Index-6 (FSFI-6). The impact on reproductive desires and psychological effects were also surveyed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale HADD and HADA.

In 102 women with AD, it was found that the average participant was 30-years-old, married and had a university degree. Some smoked or drank alcohol.

Results revealed that AD started around age 7 and had severe symptoms. High scores on various scales indicated increased anxiety, depression, and poor QoL.

About 69% of the women said AD impacted their sexual life, with many reporting sexual dysfunction and lower sexual satisfaction.

The severity of AD symptoms was linked to worse sexual dysfunction and quality of life. Women with AD in the gluteal and genital areas also experienced more severe sexual dysfunction.

Regarding reproductive desires, 51% of the women felt AD influenced their desire to have children. A significant portion already had children or wanted more, but only 29% discussed their reproductive wishes with their dermatologist.

Women who believed AD didn't affect their desire for children were mostly married. Those with gluteal disease had a noticeable decrease in reproductive desire.

Other factors such as age, education, smoking and drinking didn't significantly impact reproductive desires.

Overall, the results suggest that AD affects both QoL and reproductive health, with many women not receiving adequate support from their dermatologists.

This study's strengths include a focused investigation of AD's impact on sexual function, pregnancy and QoL in female patients, identifying key factors and highlighting the need for holistic dermatological care. The use of different scales (FSFI, NRS for SD, DLQI) strengthens its findings.

However, limitations include a small sample size, potential selection bias towards those more comfortable with internet use and those with severe symptoms, and reliance on self-reported data.

Researchers call for more extensive research to confirm their findings and explore AD patients' concerns regarding pregnancy.