Women of child-bearing age with moderate-to-severe AD have disease exacerbations in the premenstrual period, according to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Giacomo Dal Bello, MD, and colleagues examined symptoms and disease severity variations during the menstrual cycle among women aged 18-45 with AD or psoriasis who completed a questionnaire about skin disease and gynecologic features; they were evaluated for 3 consecutive months during the premenstrual, menstrual, and postmenstrual periods. Women with moderate-tosevere AD manifested significant exacerbations in disease severity and itch and deterioration in QOL in the premenstrual versus menstrual period and much worse manifestations compared with the postmenstrual period. Mean rates of worsening on the Eczema Area and Severity Index score, Numerical Rating Scale-Worst Itch, and Dermatology Life Quality Index were 17.7%, 35.3%, and 26.3%, respectively. Exacerbation of AD in the premenstrual period was associated with higher age at menarche and a longer menstrual period. No association was seen between premenstrual exacerbation of AD and presence of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

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