Atopic dermatitis: impact on the quality of life of patients and their partners.
BACKGROUND
The impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on the patient's quality of life is relatively well known. However, the influence on the patient's spouse has never been studied.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of AD on the quality of life, sleeping and sexual life of patients and their partners.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, patients and their partners completed a number of questionnaires asking about their general health and their quality of life [Short Form 12, Epworth, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)] and completed an idiosyncratic measure asking about their sexual functioning. AD severity was clinician rated using Scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD).


RESULTS
A total of 266 patients were included. The mean DLQI score was 8.8. The physical and mental composite 12 scores were 50.7 and 39.5, respectively. These 3 scores were significantly related to SCORAD. A decrease in sexual desire due to AD was noted in 57.5% of patients. The quality of life of partners did not appear to be particularly impaired, but 36.5% reported that the appearance of eczema had an impact on their sex life.


CONCLUSIONS
The influence of AD on sex life is significant both for the patients and their partners.
Misery
L
L
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Brest, France. laurent.misery@chu-brest.fr
Finlay
A Y
AY
Martin
N
N
Boussetta
S
S
Nguyen
C
C
Myon
E
E
Taieb
C
C
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012890:Sleep; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires