Pain and Itch Are Dual Burdens in Atopic Dermatitis

Despite being widely reported by patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), pain symptoms, unlike itch, have not been widely assessed.

The aim of the study was to understand the distinct pain symptoms in patients with AD.

Responses from an anonymous questionnaire were collected from our eczema clinic (in-person survey) and collaboration with Global Parents for Eczema Research Group and the National Eczema Association (online survey) to assess skin pain among patients with AD 5 years and older. Eczema Area and Severity Index was measured in the clinic cohort to correlate with pain symptoms.

In our international cohort of 103 patients with AD, 78% reported concomitant pain and itch. The greatest pain burden occurred on the hands (odds ratio [OR], 0.77), perioral region (OR, 0.74), and toes (OR, 0.7), corresponding to regions with the greatest sensory nerve density. Pain was most commonly described as "burning" and "stinging," particularly when lesions were red, cracked, and dry. Its presence significantly interfered with sleep, leisure activities, and activities of daily living. Among the clinic cohort, we observed a strong Spearman correlation between objective Eczema Area and Severity Index score and subjective skin pain. It is imperative that clinicians understand patients' unique pain burden to best evaluate clinical severity and quality-of-life interference.