Real-World Prevalence and Associated Factors of Nipple Eczema in Patients With Atopic Dermatitis
- Author:
Jung Min LEE
1
;
Yu Jin LEE
;
Yun Jeong CHOI
;
June Hyunkyung LEE
;
Jae Eun CHOI
;
Byeol HAN
;
Tae Young HAN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Dermatology 2025;37(6):336-343
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Nipple eczema (NE) manifests as pruritic or painful erythema, often accompanied by oozing, erosion, and lichenification. NE is observed in 6%–23% of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD); its prevalence is higher among adolescent and young adult women.
Objective:To determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of NE in patients with AD.
Methods:We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study from July to December 2023, enrolling patients diagnosed with AD. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their symptoms of AD and NE, as well as the impact of NE on their daily lives.
Results:Of the 200 patients, 55 (27.5%) reported of having experienced NE. The mean age at NE onset was 22.75±9.77 years. The proportion of females with NE (70.9%) was significantly higher relative to those without NE (38.6%) (p<0.001). Factors significantly associated with the presence of NE in AD patients included female sex (odds ratio [OR], 4.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.99–12.07; p=0.001), increased AD itch numerical rating scale (NRS) score (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.11–1.91; p=0.007), increased AD pain NRS score (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01–1.44; p=0.041) and higher Investigator Global Assessment score (OR, 5.38; 95% CI, 2.07–13.99; p=0.001). Regarding nipple-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL), 35.8% of patients reported severe impairment in HRQoL due to NE, and 45.3% experienced severe emotional distress.
Conclusion:Although the area affected by NE is small, dermatologists should be aware of its association with severe AD characteristics, and its significant impact on patient HRQoL.
