Dermatite atopique : épidémiologie en France, définitions, histoire naturelle, association aux autres manifestations atopiques, scores de gravité, qualité de vie

Comorbidities and Environmental Factors Associated with Atopic Dermatitis in Children and Adults in Dermatology-Venereology in Cotonou, Benin

Introduction

The objective of this work was to document the comorbidities and environmental factors associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) in dermatology Venereology in Cotonou.

Methods

A cross-sectional, prospective, and analytical study included, from January 2016 to December 2018, in the Dermatology-Venereology Department of the National Teaching Hospital Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) of Cotonou, children and adults after free and informed consent, in whom the diagnosis of AD was retained according to the criteria of the United Kingdom Working Party. Severity was assessed using SCORAD (severity scoring of atopic dermatitis).

Results

The overall prevalence of AD was 7.7%. AD was more frequent in children (56.8% and 40.6%) and adults (59.8% and 37.4%) from urban and periurban areas (0.003 < p < 0.034). It was more frequent in children who regularly dewormed and those with complete vaccination (0.001 < p < 0.01). In 54.8% of children and 58.9% of adults, flare-ups occurred during the warm season. The main associated comorbidities were rhinitis and conjunctivitis in both children (49.7% and 36.1%, respectively) and adults (32.7% and 26.2%, respectively). The main triggering factors in children were heat (43.2%), pneumallergens (28.4%), and skin irritants (22.6%). In adults, we noted skin irritants (58.9%), heat (47.7%), and psychological factors (34.6%). In adults, the use of detergent soaps was associated with lichenified and severe AD (0.003 < p < 0.006) and that of lightening soaps with acute AD (p=0.042).

Conclusion

AD in the Dermatology-Venereology Department of the CNHU-HKM of Cotonou was associated with comorbidities. It was influenced by environmental factors related to the tropical climate and by skin irritants or allergens.

Atopic Dermatitis: Impact on the Quality of Life of Patients and Their Partners

BACKGROUND

The impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on the patient's quality of life is relatively well known. However, the influence on the patient's spouse has never been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of AD on the quality of life, sleeping and sexual life of patients and their partners.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, patients and their partners completed a number of questionnaires asking about their general health and their quality of life [Short Form 12, Epworth, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI)] and completed an idiosyncratic measure asking about their sexual functioning. AD severity was clinician rated using Scoring atopic dermatitis (SCORAD).

RESULTS

A total of 266 patients were included. The mean DLQI score was 8.8. The physical and mental composite 12 scores were 50.7 and 39.5, respectively. These 3 scores were significantly related to SCORAD. A decrease in sexual desire due to AD was noted in 57.5% of patients. The quality of life of partners did not appear to be particularly impaired, but 36.5% reported that the appearance of eczema had an impact on their sex life.

CONCLUSION

The influence of AD on sex life is significant both for the patients and their partners.