OBJECTIVEAtopic dermatitis affects children's behavioral, emotional and psychological development. This study aimed to investigate the quality of life in infants with atopic dermatitis.

METHODSThe quality of life in 43 children with atopic dermatitis between the age of 3-6 months was assessed by the Childhood Atopic Dermatitis Impact Scale (CADIS). The severity of atopic dermatitis was determined by the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCOARD).

RESULTSThe scores of SCORAD and CADIS in children with atopic dermatitis were 56.9+/-11.1 and 38.0+/-7.9 respectively. There was a positive correlation between the CADIS and SCORAD scores (rho=0.934, P<0.05). The CADIS score was positively correlated with the area of skin lesions (rho=0.581, P<0.01), erythema (rho=0.417, P<0.01), excoriations (rho=0.579, P<0.01), edema/exanthema papulosum (rho=0.595, P<0.01), oozing/crusts (rho=0.436, P<0.01), skin dryness (rho=0.343, P<0.01), pruritus and sleeplessness (rho=0.344, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSAtopic dermatitis adversely affects the quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis. The worse quality of life is associated with more severe atopic dermatitis.