The Circadian Rhythm of Itching among 241 Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-sectional Study

Authors

  • Xiaoxue Sang Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
  • Jianyun Lu The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Medical Ozone Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
  • Lina Tan The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Medical Ozone Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
  • Jinrong Zeng The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Medical Ozone Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
  • Dan Wang The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Medical Ozone Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
  • Aiyuan Guo The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Medical Ozone Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
  • Siyuan Tang Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
  • Qian Zeng Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
  • Wei Liu Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
  • Lihua Gao The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Medical Ozone Research Center of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/actadv.v104.35427

Keywords:

atopic dermatitis, circadian rhythm, itch, questionnaire

Abstract

The pattern of itching in patients with atopic dermatitis has not been systematically studied. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pattern of itching in adults with atopic dermatitis using questionnaires to assess for a circadian rhythm of itching in participating patients at a single institution (n = 241). A self-report questionnaire was used to assess circadian rhythm and intensity of itching in patients. In addition, the patients’ disease severity (Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI]) and quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index [DLQI]) were assessed. Itching occurred most frequently (74.69%) and with the greatest severity (62.66%) between 20:00 and 00:00, and the least number of patients (25.31%) experienced itching between 04:00 and 08:00. The DLQI and EASI scores both correlated with the average and maximum itch intensity (r = 0.582, r = 0.533, respectively; r = 0.539, r = 0.517, respectively; p < 0.001). The DLQI and EASI scores were associated with average itch intensity (B = 0.179, B = 0.204, respectively; 95% CI: 0.112 to 0.246, 95% CI: 0.096 to 0.313, respectively; p < 0.001), and the EASI score was associated with males and family history (B = 0.285, B = 0.287, respectively; 95% CI: 0.094 to 0.476, 95% CI: 0.096 to 0.478, respectively; p = 0.003). Adult patients with atopic dermatitis exhibited a circadian rhythm of itching; these study results could positively impact treatment approaches.

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Published

2024-08-05

How to Cite

Sang, X., Lu, J., Tan, L., Zeng, J. ., Wang, D., Guo, A. ., … Gao, L. (2024). The Circadian Rhythm of Itching among 241 Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: A Cross-sectional Study. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 104, adv35427. https://doi.org/10.2340/actadv.v104.35427

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Vol. 104 (2024)

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Copyright (c) 2024 Xiaoxue Sang, Jianyun Lu, Lina Tan, Jinrong Zeng, Dan Wang, Aiyuan Guo, Siyuan Tang, Qian Zeng, Wei Liu, Lihua Gao

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