Exploring the symptoms and definitions of AD flares from a patient’s perspective
Atopic dermatitis (AD), the most common form of eczema, is a chronic condition that causes itchy, dry and inflamed skin. Many people who suffer from AD are familiar with the term flare – an increase in the signs and symptoms, but agreeing to the definition of a flare is another story.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Dermatology explored this issue, uncovering the need to better understand what an AD flare means to patients. While many AD flare definitions exist, there isn’t a universally accepted definition, especially for sufferers.
Canadian and U.S. researchers wanted to understand AD flares from the patient’s perspective and how adult AD patients define them. Through online focus groups, participants were asked how they described AD flares, defining its start and stop, and their reactions to existing definitions of flare.
One of the study’s key findings was that participants thought previously published AD definitions were “problematic and unrelatable.”
“Specifically, they felt that flare is hard to quantify or put on a numeric scale, definitions cannot solely be about skin symptoms, and clinical verbiage does not resonate with patients’ lived experiences.”
The patients did identify the following details were essential to the definition of a flare:
- the changes from the patient’s baseline/normal
- mental, emotional and social consequences
- physical changes in skin
- attention needed/all-consuming focus
- itch-scratch-burn cycle
- control/loss of control/quality of life
The patients’ insights highlight the complexity of AD flares. For patients, flares aren’t just about cause and effect. There are a multitude of factors that affect an individual’s experience.
The study’s findings bring encouraging news to the AD community and promote a more patient-centred approach to defining and managing AD flares. This study also paves the way for healthcare providers to involve their patients in their treatments and effective AD management.
Reference:
Dainty KN, Thibaul I JC, Amog K, Drucker AM, Wyke M, Smith Begolka W, Towards a patient-centered definition for atopic dermatitis flare: A qualitative study among adults with atopic dermatitis. British Journal of Dermatology. 2024; ljae037,
Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific health care needs with a qualified health care professional.
April 2024
