Study Results Hint at Relationship Between Addiction and Atopic Dermatitis

According to a recent study published in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, there may be elevated positive screening rates for addictive behaviors in people with atopic dermatitis (AD) vs the general population.

Researchers conducted a noninterventional cross-sectional study from March to May 2020 at a larger German university hospital. Persons with AD were invited to answer questions about their disease severity, quality of life, and smoking habits. They then were screened for common addictive behaviors, including problematic alcohol consumption, drug abuse, internet addiction and pathological gambling.

In total, 157 patients with AD completed the study, which included:

• 14.1% smokers
• 12.1% positive screens for problematic alcohol consumption
• 6.4% positive screens for drug abuse
• 4.5% positive screens for internet addition
• 3.2% positive screens for pathological gambling

The authors also observed co-occurrences of addictions and positive correlation between smoking and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores.

While more studies are needed to explore the relationship, the results hint at elevated rates of addictive behaviors. Dermatologists and health care providers should consider routinely screening for addictions to improve patient-centered care for patients with eczema.

Reference
Pilz AC, Durner V, Schielein MC, et al. Addictions in patients with atopic dermatitis: a cross-sectional pilot study in Germany. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Published online September 29, 2021. doi:10.111/jdv.17708