Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with skin pain. However, little is known about the prevalence and associations of pain in AD. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the frequency, intensity, characteristics, and associations of pain from AD. METHODS: A cross-sectional, US population internet survey-based study of 602 adults with AD from the AD in America Study was performed (modified UK Working Party Criteria). RESULTS: Overall, 365 (61%) reported pain from AD, with 199 (33%) experiencing pain at least once per week and 30 (5%) with pain daily. Among those with AD pain, 22% reported worst pain intensity ≥7. The frequency and intensity of AD pain were associated with Patient-Oriented Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (PO-SCORAD), PO-SCORAD itch and sleep, and Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (P ≤ .004 for all). Among those experiencing AD pain, 179 (48%) reported pain occurring only after frequent scratching, 156 (42%) reported intermittent pain, and 27 (11%) reported constant pain throughout the day. AD pain was most commonly associated with open areas caused by scratching (27%) and fissures in the skin (27%), followed by inflamed red skin (25%), with only a minority reporting pain mostly caused by burning from creams or ointments (10%). Mild AD was associated with more pain from scratching, whereas severe AD was associated with more constant pain and pain from inflamed skin. CONCLUSIONS:
Pain is a distinct symptom in AD, with heterogeneous frequency, characteristics, intensity, and quality of life impact. Pain was related to scratching, fissures, and/or inflamed red skin, and least from burning from topical medications. Skin pain should be assessed in patients with AD and monitoring treatment response.
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Authors | Jonathan I Silverberg, Joel M Gelfand, David J Margolis, Mark Boguniewicz, Luz Fonacier, Mitchell H Grayson, Zelma C Chiesa Fuxench, Eric L Simpson, Peck Y Ong |
Journal | The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice
(J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract)
2019 Nov - Dec
Vol. 7
Issue 8
Pg. 2699-2706.e7
ISSN: 2213-2201 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 31228619
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2019 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Dermatitis, Atopic
(complications, epidemiology)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pain
(epidemiology, etiology)
- Prevalence
- Pruritus
(epidemiology, etiology)
- Quality of Life
- Skin
- United States
(epidemiology)
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