Assessing Disease Control in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis by Using the Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool in Daily Practice

Abstract

Plain Language SummaryAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic skin disease that affects up to 10% of adults. The burden of AD is not only limited to skin symptoms but also sleep disturbances, mental health effects, declined work productivity, which leads to a general decrease in quality of life. Recently, the Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool (ADCT) was recommended for comprehensively assessing disease control in adults with AD. However, little is known about the use of ADCT in daily practice. In this study, by sending questionnaires to 2,066 adult patients with previously physician-diagnosed AD, we evaluated disease control in adult AD patients using the ADCT in daily practice and assessed its association with age, sex, disease severity, quality of life, itch, and treatment. It was found that around 60% of the patients perceived their AD as controlled. Uncontrolled AD was associated with more severe AD, worse quality of life, increased itchiness, and was more likely to be treated with topical anti-inflammatory agents only. Females were more likely to report uncontrolled AD than males, probably due to their limited use of systemic treatments. Additionally, the ADCT could contribute to switching patients with uncontrolled AD from topical to systemic treatment.