English summary: CHILDREN'S ATOPIC DERMATITIS AFFECTS THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF FAMILIES

Background The incidence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has increased over the past few decades. It is currently seen in 15-20% of all children in industrialized countries. The key symptom of AD is itching of the skin which often makes it difficult for the child to sleep and may hence impair the sleep of the whole family. The need to treat the child's eczema affects family life. The aim of this study was to describe the ways in which children's atopic dermatitis (AD) affects the quality of life of their families.

Methods The severity of atopic dermatitis of each participating child (n=254) was evaluated by a physician in a routine clinical setting. The parents of the children aged 0-10 years (mean age 3 years and 9 months) with AD completed the Dermatitis Family Impact (DFI) questionnaire for assessing the impact of AD on the quality of life in their families.

Results The impact of atopic dermatitis on the quality of life of the family was severe. The need to participate in the treatment of the childs' skin problems was the most important single factor that impaired the families' quality of life.

Conclusions The DFI questionnaire may be useful in clinical practice in finding the families in which the parents need a more detailed explanation of the disease and its management.