Gender differences in adult atopic dermatitis and clinical implication: results form a Nationwide multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that affects both children and adults. However, limited research has been conducted on gender differences in AD.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess gender differences in adult AD patients, focusing on demographic and clinical features, comorbidities, and treatment approaches.

METHODS: In this multicenter, observational, cross-sectional study, we enrolled 686 adult patients with AD (357 males and 329 females). For each patient, we collected demographic data (age, sex), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, hip circumference, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio), clinical information (onset age, disease duration, severity, itching intensity, impact on quality of life), and noted comorbidities (metabolic, atopic, and other). We recorded past and current topical and systemic treatments. We analyzed all collected data using statistical techniques appropriate for both quantitative and qualitative variables. Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) was employed to evaluate the relationships among all clinical characteristics of the patients.

RESULTS: We found no differences in age at onset, disease duration, severity, and quality of life impact between males and females. Males exhibited higher rates of hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension. No significant gender differences were observed in atopic or other comorbidities. Treatment approaches were overlapping, except for greater methotrexate use in males. MCA revealed distinct patterns based on gender, disease severity, age of onset, treatment, and quality of life. Adult males with AD had severe disease, extensive treatments, and poorer quality of life, while adult females had milder disease, fewer treatments, and moderate quality of life impact.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study reveals that gender differences in adult AD patients are largely due to inherent population variations rather than disease-related disparities. However, it highlights potential undertreatment of females with moderate AD and quality of life impact, emphasizing the need for equitable AD treatment. JAK inhibitors may offer a solution for gender-based therapeutic parity.