According to the various responses to a survey of adults diagnosed with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, the disease appears to affect not just the physical body but also the lives of those living with the disease.

A media release from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc notes that the survey results, unveiled recently as part of Eczema Awareness Month, suggest that a majority of respondents are making lifestyle modifications, and some have made career choices that limit face-to-face interactions with others because of the disease.

“We hear first-hand from people living with this disease that many aspects of their everyday life are impacted,” said Julie Block, president and CEO, National Eczema Association, in the release. “They are routinely dealing with intense itch and pain, and feeling self-conscious because of the way their skin looks. People share that they feel depressed and anxious because of their disease.”

A total of 505 American adults (age 18 or older) responded to the Understand AD survey, which was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Among the 505 respondents, per the release:

  • 53% reported that their disease has negatively impacted their daily lives;
  • 82% have made lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding social engagements, being in pictures, and participating in sports/exercise;
  • 55% reported that their confidence was negatively impacted due to their disease;
  • 49% say their sleep has been negatively impacted by the disease, moderately or significantly;
  • 23% of people feel depressed and 28% feel anxious due to their AD; and
  • 20% report that their AD has impacted their ability to maintain employment, and 16% have made career choices that limit face-to-face interactions with others because of the disease.

Also according to the survey, nearly 70% of respondents often or sometimes experience flares while on treatment. In fact, people reported using a range of treatments to manage their disease including prescription therapies, over-the-counter medications, alternative medicine like acupuncture, and even vitamins and herbal supplements.

“Despite currently available treatment options, people living with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis still struggle to manage their disease,” says Susan Tofte, MS, BSN, FNP-C, a past president of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association, in the release. “These survey results reaffirm what our community of nurses sees regularly with the people they are treating for this disease – the total impact goes beyond the physical symptoms. It’s important for all of us to do our part in recognizing this is more than just a skin disease.”

[Source(s): Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, PR Newswire]