Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Atopic Dermatitis Patients

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) can have a significantly negative impact on quality of life (QoL). The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the AD population is not yet well established. The study comprised 195 patients with diagnosed AD who were asked about their cognitive and preventive behaviors regarding COVID-19 and the accessibility of medical support, including online consultations. Moreover, the patients responded to the self-reported Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Most of the patients were worried about being infected with COVID-19. Most of the patients believed that people suffering from skin disease were more prone to be infected with COVID-19 compared with the general population. Most the patients negatively assessed the availability of dermatological treatment during the pandemic. Furthermore, 66.1% of the patients declared using telemedicine. Nearly 50% of patients were discontented with telemedicine, and 1/3 of the patients did not mind the use of telemedicine. AD during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a lower overall health rating and life satisfaction and impaired QoL related to mental health in a Polish population. These results provide original information that can be applied in dermatologic patient screenings to evaluate the state of depression and anxiety during the epidemic period.

Body care activities and its consequences related to COVID‐19 pandemic

“… 32 It is a chronic disease, which affects 2%–3% of adults and 10%–20% of children. 33 It belongs to the group of inflammatory skin diseases. 32 Futhermore, the dysfunction of the epidermal barieer is one of the pathophysiology mechanisms.…”

“… 32 Futhermore, the dysfunction of the epidermal barieer is one of the pathophysiology mechanisms. 33 Triggering and/or flaring of the symptoms of atopic dermatitis can be caused by environmental factors and genetics. In the time of COVID‐19 pandemic, the worldwide situation has an impact on appearing of relevant psychological adverse events such as depression or emotional fatigue.…”

General and Skin-Specific Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“… 10 – 12 Nevertheless, few studies have examined the association of the COVID-19 pandemic and HRQoL outcomes in AD patients. 13 – 15 …”

“…[10][11][12] Nevertheless, few studies have examined the association of the COVID-19 pandemic and HRQoL outcomes in AD patients. [13][14][15] Skin-specific and generic questionnaires are extensively used to measure HRQoL in adult AD patients. 16 Skin-specific instruments allow comparisons across different skin conditions and are typically more sensitive to HRQoL changes related to the skin disease.…”

Navigating patients with atopic dermatitis or chronic spontaneous urticaria during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…It is imperative then to assume that strict hygiene practices and increased stress levels imposed by the pandemic will likely contribute to this noted increase in AD flares ( 2 , 5 , 12 ). In addition, the pandemic with the need to quarantine has negatively impacted the quality of life of AD patients with reported increased levels of anxiety and depression in this specific subset ( 7 , 12 , 13 ). Physicians should take into account these issues and should incorporate this psychosocial dimension in their management plan.…”