Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. It is often worsened by psychological stress and anxiety. The aim of this study was to further explore the role of psychological stress in atopic dermatitis. In total, 28 patients were included in the study, divided into separate sessions. All patients included in the study had been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis by a dermatologist. Most of the patients have had eczema since childhood. The problem of discriminating psychological stress from other stressors, such as infection, climate and even allergic factors, was recognized. All of the patients supported the hypothesis that psychological stress may impact eczema and pruritus. On the other hand, some patients reported that eczema per se could be the trigger of depression and stress. In this context, the relationship between long term psychological stress and depression was also discussed. Most of the patients thought that chronic stress affected the atopic dermatitis more compared to acute stress, also leading to sleep disturbance. There was also a connection between stress and pruritus. Family problems, financial problems, work overload, examination periods, lack of structure at work, and unforeseen events were identified as important stressors by the patients. Conventional treatment/therapy with glucocorticoids and emollients, UV light treatment, were suggested as possible treatments, as well as psychological intervention and exercise. These results highlights the importance of psychological stress as in the context of atopic dermatitis and further emphasis the possibility of not only pharmacological but also psychological support and treatments in the arsenal of treatment options for patients with atopic dermatitis.

ESDRLB011 - Psychological Stress and Atopic Dermatitis – a Focus Group Study

50th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Dermatological Research. VIRTUAL MEETING