- Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common dermatological diseases that exist and its impact is both physical and mental.
- It is estimated that up to 86% of patients prefer not to wear short clothes or go on vacation.
- While one in three patients is at high risk of suicide.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itchiness, redness, dryness, and cracking. It must be diagnosed and treated promptly due to the discomfort it generates, especially in pediatric ages, given the constant itching it generates, warned Dr. Helena Vidaurri de la Cruz.
Impact on the mental health of patients
The specialist in pediatric dermatology and genodermatology, stated that It is caused by immunological dysregulation and skin dysfunction, in response to which those who suffer from it even avoid social interaction due to the flaking that occurs. If not treated promptly, they can cause depression in patients and in some cases even suicide attempts.
In a press conference accompanied by Bonnie Balcázar, director of the Autoimmune Patients with Inflammatory Processes (PAU) organization, as well as Karla Madrigal, psychologist and patient with atopic dermatitis, and by Dr. Josué León Merlos, medical manager of the Leo Pharma laboratory, Dr. Vidaurri De la Cruz, stated that About 55% of patients have sleep disturbances due to strong itching that affects both general well-being, mood, and the family circle.
“Some daily activities are avoided by people with atopic dermatitis, since up to 86% of patients with outbreaks have not attended spas or worn short clothing such as shorts or Bermuda shorts,” added the former president of the Mexican College of Pediatric Dermatology.
For his part, Dr. Josué León, medical manager of LEO Pharma, commented that the symptoms in atopic dermatitis Moderate to severe causes itchy, red or inflamed skin, sores, or oozing, which can be debilitating and associated with pain, sleep, and social disturbances. Therefore, a multidisciplinary treatment with specialists in psychology is recommended for the patient and her family.
Treatments and support for patients
Regarding the scientific programs, he explained that they are a reference through which contents are consolidated that pay attention to the needs of doctors with the involvement of researchers, doctors and professors, both national and international, who in turn promote the dissemination of knowledge and development of training plans that will result in better decision-making for the benefit of patients.
On her occasion, Bonnie Balcázar explained that the PAU organization recently launched a digital platform called “Day by day with atopic dermatitis”. It seeks to make the disease visible as a condition that must be treated by medical specialists, but in which information is also shared to cope with the impact that this condition has on their quality of life.
“At PAU we want to make atopic dermatitis visible as a condition that must be treated by specialist doctors, but we also share information, tools and advice to support people who live with it, but also the family to cope with the impact of this condition. in their quality of life”.
For her part, Karla Madrigal, who in addition to being a patient is a psychologist, pointed out that when she was little she was detected scaling in the joints of her arms, legs, neck and face, which caused her itchy, itchy, dry skin and irritability.
“This became torture for me and my family because we didn’t understand what was happening and I even suffered bullying in primary school because I didn’t know about the disease.”
Also read:
Most patients with atopic dermatitis develop depression
Atopic dermatitis in Mexico: Problem that affects 2 out of 10 children
Dermatologist empathy: Key in the care of atopic dermatitis