Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Nutrition Science
• Patient-Reported Outcomes

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients frequently use dietary changes to manage their condition.
• Patient perceptions and outcomes of these dietary interventions are crucial for understanding AD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate patient-reported outcomes and perceptions of dietary modifications for atopic dermatitis (AD).
• To understand the impact of specific dietary exclusions and additions on AD symptom improvement.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 169 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).
• A 61-question survey was administered to gather data on dietary habits, perceptions, and experienced outcomes.

Main Results:

• 87% of AD patients reported trying dietary exclusions, most commonly junk food, dairy, and gluten.
• Significant skin improvement was reported by patients excluding white flour, gluten, and nightshades.
• 79.9% of patients added foods like vegetables, fish oil, and fruits, with notable improvements from vegetables, organic foods, and fish oil.
• While 93.5% of patients desired physician discussion on diet's role in AD, only 32.5% consulted a dermatologist.

Conclusions:

• Dietary modifications are prevalent among atopic dermatitis (AD) patients.
• The role of diet in AD management, including potential benefits and risks, warrants thorough discussion between physicians and patients.