Sensory processing patterns of adults with atopic dermatitis.
BACKGROUND
Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been associated with sensory hypersensitivity in children.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the sensory profile of adults with AD using a standardized questionnaire that measures sensory processing and related behaviours in daily living.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients aged 18-53 years with AD and 32 healthy, sex- and age-matched control subjects completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP). Severity of AD was assessed by the Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD).


RESULTS
Patients with AD showed higher sensory sensitivity and avoidance than the controls, mainly in the tactile, vestibular, visual and auditory modalities.


CONCLUSIONS
Adults with AD may suffer from sensory hypersensitivity. Additional studies should examine the influence of the peripheral and the central nervous system on sensory hypersensitivity. Better understanding of the sensory impairment of patients with AD may help improving treatment strategies for the disease.
Engel-Yeger
B
B
Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Israel. batya@research.haifa.ac.il
Mimouni
D
D
Rozenman
D
D
Shani-Adir
A
A
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D012677:Sensation / Q000502:physiology*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055815:Young Adult