[Sexual self-reflection in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences between the Sexual Self-Reflection in patients with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis from a group of healthy controls. Furthermore the influence of coping with the disease and pruritus on the patients' sexuality was studied


METHODS
Patients with atopic dermatitis (n=38), psoriasis (n=31) and healthy controls (n=33) were tested with various psychological questionnaires. The German questionnaire for partnership attributes (PFB), Marburg questionnaire for coping with skin diseases (MHF) and questionnaire for pruritus and cognition (JKF), and sexual self-concept questionnaire (MSSCQ) served as psychometric measures.


RESULTS
Patients with atopic dermatitis showed more fears of sex, with pruritus being the main factor, so that controlling pruritus should also improve sexual experience. Patients with psoriasis and sexual problems showed significantly more social fears and avoidance.


CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate psychosomatic care and educational programs including the therapy of social fears, avoidance and pruritus may also improve sexual life in patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
Seikowski
K
K
Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universität Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Strasse 23-25, 04103 Leipzig. kurt.seikowski@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Gelbrich
M
M
Harth
W
W
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011537:Pruritus / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011594:Psychometrics; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012649:Self Concept; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires