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Acta Dermatovenerologica Croatica, Vol. 31 No. 1, 2023.

Professional paper

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Weronika Zysk ; Dermatological Students Scientific Association Department of Dermatology, Vene- reology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
Magdalena Trzeciak ; Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory, itchy
dermatosis with periods of remissions and exacerbations. Social
isolation and lockdown measures may cause increased stress
which in turn may affect the skin condition of patients with AD. We
aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the
course of AD and the mental health of adult patients with AD. The
study was based on an anonymous online questionnaire. A total
of 91 adult patients with AD participated in this survey. The study
population consisted of 77 (84.6%) female and 14 (15.4%) male

patients. The average age of patients was 28.3 years. Fifty-four re-
spondents out of 91 (59.3%) noticed a worsening in the course of

AD. Patients with worsened AD most often indicated exacerbating

itching of the skin (92.6% of 54). Only 54 (59.3%) patients contin-
ued treatment as directed by the attending physician. Of those

that did not, 13 (14.3%) took or applied fewer medications and
24 (26.4%) stopped taking or applying medications altogether. Of
all respondents, 60 (65.9%) believed that their mental health had
deteriorated and 11 (12.1%) patients developed suicidal thoughts
during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results indicate that the
COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on the course of AD
among adult patients. Forced life changes, increased stress, and
poor adherence to treatment may have been contributing factors.

Increased stress may have also worsened the mental health of pa-
tients with AD, which in turn may have exacerbated AD.

Keywords

atopic dermatitis; COVID-19; stress; mental health

Hrčak ID:

311534

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/311534

Publication date:

16.3.2023.

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