Atopic dermatitis has significant impact on mood in older patients
- John Evans
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Findings from a large population-based study from Finland show that older people with atopic dermatitis (AD) perform worse in measures of several quality of life (QoL) domains, including future outlook, life enjoyment, and anxiety.
The University of Oulu, Finland study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, examined the effects of AD on the quality of life of older people in northern Finland.
The research was based on data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort and an associated health study targeting the living parents of individuals born in 1966. Researchers collected information on health, skin diseases, and quality of life via questionnaires, and some participants also underwent a full-body skin examination. The questionnaire was sent to more than 12,000 people, of whom just under half responded. The average age of respondents was approximately 78 years.
According to the results, people with AD rated their general health as poorer on average than those without AD. They also more frequently reported various complaints and symptoms, such as pain, aches and itching, than those without the condition. In addition, people with AD assessed their quality of life as poorer across several domains, including outlook on the future and enjoyment of life.
Statistical analysis revealed that people with AD had an approximately 40% higher likelihood of experiencing poor quality of life compared with those without AD. Symptoms of anxiety were also more common among those with AD. Clinical findings based on skin examinations supported the questionnaire results.
According to the researchers, AD is a psychological as well as a physical burden for older people. “Persistent itching and pain impair sleep and coping, and visible skin disease can also lead to social withdrawal,” says Suvi-Päivikki Sinikumpu, MD, PhD, a specialist in dermatology and allergology at the university.
Although AD is the most common skin disease among older adults, its impact on quality of life in this age group has been studied relatively little. According to Dr. Sinikumpu, appropriate treatment can significantly alleviate symptoms and their effects.
“In many cases, basic treatment consists of regular use of fragrance-free emollients and topical corticosteroids, with guidance provided by primary healthcare. In more severe cases, treatments in specialized care may be required, such as phototherapy or systemic medication,” she said in a press release.
The study suggests that healthcare services should pay greater attention to the impact of AD on older people's quality of life. When planning treatment, it is important to consider the patient’s functional capacity and their ability to manage treatment in everyday life.
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