A survey on the opinion of parents and caregivers about the influence of diet and cosmetics use on the course of atopic dermatitis in children

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD, atopic eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that typically begins in childhood and follows a course characterized by periods of remission and exacerbation. It presents with a characteristic distribution and appearance of skin lesions, accompanied by pruritus and sleep disturbances. Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis regarding the relationship between the disease and diet as well as the cosmetics used. Material and methods: A survey was conducted among 104 parents and caregivers of children suffering from AD. Results: Among the 104 children (65 girls and 39 boys), 57.8% developed AD during their first year of life. In 54.8% of cases, the skin lesions were intensely itchy, preventing the children from sleeping. The most frequently affected body areas were the antecubital fossae (68%), popliteal fossae (65%), wrists (46%), and the backs of the hands (40%). Additionally, 56.7% of the children were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, and 45.2% with urticaria. A significant 84.6% of parents and caregivers reported that physicians identified food as the primary cause of the disease, while 63.5% stated that their own observations confirmed this link. Milk was the most frequently cited food allergen, followed by citrus fruits, eggs, nuts, and cocoa. Parents of 42.3% of the children observed a connection between the use of cosmetic products and the recurrence or exacerbation of the disease. Cosmetic products cited as triggering disease exacerbation included powders, soaps, creams, shampoos, lotions, and scented products. Patch testing for contact allergy was performed on only 6 (5.8%) of the children with atopic dermatitis included in the study. Conclusions: Parents and caregivers of children with atopic dermatitis are largely convinced of a link between the disease and diet, whereas they are less likely to perceive a connection between the cosmetics used and exacerbation of atopic dermatitis in the children. Keywords: atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema, triggering factors, diet, cosmetics, health awareness, opinion survey, parents, caregivers.