Quality of life of patients with atopic dermatitis in various age groups – the cross-sectional study

Background
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease that visibly changes the skin and may alter functioning in society.

Objectives
The study aimed to assess the quality of life of Polish patients with AD in various age groups.

Material and methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted using: Infants’ Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDQoL), Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in the age groups 0–4, 4–16, and over 16 years, respectively. Furthermore, parents of children with AD completed the Dermatitis Family Impact questionnaire (DFI).

Results
There were 125 patients and 90 caregivers in total. The greatest negative impact of the disease on the lives of AD patients was observed in patients over the age of 16. In younger age groups, the higher the decrease in the child’s quality of life, the greater the impact of the disease on the family’s quality of life. Pruritus was the most important and at the same time the most disturbing symptom. Problems with treatment were significantly greater in older children and adults than in younger children.

Conclusions
AD affects quality of life in all age groups and changes the functioning of the family, having the greatest impact on patients over the age of 16.