Flavien Huet, Marie-Sarah Faffa, Florence Poizeau, Stéphanie Merhand, Laurent Misery, Emilie Brenaut
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3053

The objective of this study was to explore characteristics of pruritus in atopic dermatitis (AD) in relation to the severity of AD. A web-questionnaire was used, which included the Patient-Oriented SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index, the 5-D itch scale and the Brest questionnaire. A total of 170 participants were included (86.5% women, mean age 30.9 years). Severity of AD was mild for 8.2% of patients, moderate for 38.2% and severe for 53.5%. Mean 5-D itch scale was 13.2. The mean intensity of pruritus was 5.8, and mean sleep loss was 4.7 (from 0 to 10). The participants frequently described burning (61.8%) and stinging (58.8%); these symptoms suggest a neuropathic component. Pruritus was worse in severe AD compared with moderate AD, exhibiting a higher impact on sleep and more associated symptoms. The majority of participants reported sleep disturbance as a result of pruritus. The characteristics of pruritus varied depending on the severity of AD.

Pruritus is a frequent symptom in atopic dermatitis and it has a major impact on quality of life. Only a small number of studies have explored the characteristics of pruritus in atopic dermatitis. The aim of our study was to characterize pruritus while considering the severity of atopic dermatitis, thanks to a web-questionnaire. One hundred and seventy participants were included. The mean intensity of pruritus was 5.8, and the mean sleep loss was 4.7 (from 0 to 10). The participants frequently described burning (61.8%) and stinging (58.8%). In severe atopic dermatitis compared to moderate atopic dermatitis, pruritus was more severe, exhibiting a higher impact on sleep and more associated symptoms.