Symptom Difficulties and Needs in Adults With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Qualitative Approach, With a Predominance of Severe Cases

Background: Atopic Dermatitis (AD), often termed eczema, is a long-term skin disorder defined by non-infectious inflammatory reactions, with chronic itching being its primary clinical manifestation. The persistent and relapsing nature of this condition significantly diminishes the quality of life for affected individuals and places a burden on their families due to the long and complex treatment process. Methods: This study employed a phenomenological qualitative methodology and conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 adults with severe AD, recruited from the Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Centre in Shanghai, China, from November 2023 to April 2024. These interviews were conducted at the Atopic Dermatitis Treatment Centre in Shanghai, China from November 2023 to April 2024. Data was analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step analysis to identify salient themes. Results: 11 sub-themes were categorized into two main themes. Difficulties: symptom experience (pain and itching, polymorphic sleep disorders), functional limitations (social restricted, sexual relationship restricted), and emotional management (emotional stress, economic pressures, stigma stress). Needs: resources/help with AD (family support, support from patients with the same disease, healthcare system support), capacity building (self-regulation). Conclusion: Improvement of self-regulation skills and healthcare professionals are crucial in mitigating the physical and psychological issues experienced by adults with moderate-to-severe AD (MSAD).