Patients' Perception of the Impact of Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis on Their Sexual Well-Being: Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment with Advanced Therapies.

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that significantly affects patients' quality of life (QoL). Limited data exists on the effects AD poses on sexual well-being.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (MtS-AD) on sexual well-being and assess the efficacy of advanced therapies, specifically abrocitinib and dupilumab, in improving sexual health.

Methods

In this retrospective study, medical records and responses to an 8-item questionnaire assessing sexual well-being in patients with MtS-AD were reviewed at baseline and after 52 weeks of treatment with abrocitinib or dupilumab.

Results

In total, 44 patients were included (mean age: 30.8, 43.2% female). Before treatment, 88.6% reported AD affected their sexual well-being, including feeling unattractive (79.5%), avoiding sexual activity (68.2%), feeling ashamed or embarrassed (68.2%), and experiencing rejection (56.8%). After 52 weeks of treatment with abrocitinib or dupilumab, these negative perceptions and behaviors significantly reduced.

Conclusions

MtS-AD negatively impacts patients' sexual well-being; however, advanced therapies like abrocitinib and dupilumab can significantly improve the sexual lives of affected patients, highlighting the broader benefits of these treatments on QoL.