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Itch characteristics in atopic dermatitis: results of a web‐based questionnaire
Author(s) -
Dawn A.,
Papoiu A.D.P.,
Chan Y.H.,
Rapp S.R.,
Rassette N.,
Yosipovitch G.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2008.08941.x
Subject(s) - atopic dermatitis , medicine , dermatology , quality of life (healthcare) , scorad , physical therapy , dermatology life quality index , nursing , psoriasis
Summary Background Itch significantly impairs the quality of life of patients with atopic dermatitis. However, only a few previous studies have examined the specific characteristics of itch in atopic dermatitis. Objective To examine the frequency, intensity and perceived characteristics of pruritus among individuals with atopic dermatitis. Methods Questionnaire reliability and validity were established in pilot testing. Survey participants completed the comprehensive, web‐based ‘Characteristics of itch’ questionnaire. Participants provided anonymous demographic information and answered questions regarding itch intensity, frequency, timing, duration, location, associated symptoms and itch descriptors. Results A total of 304 individuals with atopic dermatitis completed the web‐based questionnaire. Itch occurred at least once daily in 91% of the individuals surveyed. Of the 32 itch descriptors rated by survey participants, 31 demonstrated a statistically significant positive correlation with the participants’ ratings of itch intensity ( P < 0·001). More than half the survey participants reported pain (59%) and heat sensation (53%) associated with itch. Conclusion The questionnaire was found to be a useful tool in characterization of itch. Pain appears to be an important component of atopic dermatitis. The strong correlation between itch descriptors and itch intensity suggests that such descriptors serve as strong indicators of the symptomatology in atopic dermatitis.