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  1. Article
  2. Source: Campus Sanofi
  3. May 8, 2025

Inside Atopic Dermatitis: Burden on the Healthcare System

Author: Sanofi

Editorial Team

  Inside Atopic Dermatitis: Burden on the Healthcare System

Understanding the Burden of Atopic Dermatitis on Healthcare Systems

The burden of atopic dermatitis (AD) on healthcare systems, patients, and caregivers is substantial, multifaceted, and persistent, impacting quality of life, economic resources, and emotional well-being.

Impact on Healthcare Systems 

AD ranks among the top skin diseases by disease burden globally, contributing significantly to disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), reflecting its lasting impact on function and wellbeing.1

The chronic nature of AD leads to frequent healthcare visits and specialist consultations, especially in severe cases, placing a sustained demand on healthcare resources.2

Therapeutic inertia in clinical practice often results in suboptimal disease control, increasing cumulative healthcare costs including direct medical expenses and indirect costs like work and school absenteeism.3

Burden on Patients and Caregivers

 For patients, AD severely diminishes health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to symptoms such as itching, pain, and sleep disturbance, with impacts often exceeding those seen in other chronic diseases.1

Financial strain is reported even in government-funded systems, affecting adherence and patient wellbeing.2

Caregivers of pediatric AD patients experience significant psychosocial and emotional burdens, including disrupted sleep and increased stress, which adversely affect family dynamics and caregiver mental health.3

Caregiver exhaustion and feelings of inadequacy are common despite intensive care efforts.1

Conclusion

 Overall, AD imposes a profound burden on healthcare systems through persistent resource use and costs, severely impairs patient wellbeing, and places substantial emotional and practical strain on caregivers. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive approaches involving specialist care, patient-centered management, and caregiver support.1-3

MAT-BH-2600011  

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