#Paris #France #EADV 2025 #Atopic Eczema #Suicidal Thoughts

EADV 2025 Congress Highlights

The Congress 2025 of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) recently unveiled alarming findings from a significant international study that examined the connection between atopic eczema and the risk of suicidal thoughts in adults. The study, titled "Scars of Life," is recognized as one of the largest global investigations into this relationship, encompassing responses from 30,801 adults across 27 countries throughout 2024.

Understanding Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects over 200 million people worldwide. It manifests through recurrent episodes of dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. However, beyond its physical symptoms, the mental health implications of atopic eczema are increasingly acknowledged. Many individuals with this condition battle anxiety, depression, and social stigmatization, compounding the daily struggles of managing their skin ailments.

Key Study Findings

The comprehensive study divided participants into two main groups: those suffering from confirmed atopic eczema and a control group without the condition. Among the participants, 15,223 individuals were diagnosed with current atopic eczema, while 7,968 served as the control group. Participants were stratified by the age of onset of their eczema and completed a detailed online questionnaire. This questionnaire assessed various factors, including sociodemographic information, self-reported suicidal thoughts, itch severity, pain levels, eczema severity, and any experiences with skin-related stigma.

The findings were striking. It was reported that 13.2% of adults with atopic eczema expressed suicidal thoughts, compared to 8.5% of those without the condition. Notably, this trend held true across all subgroups irrespective of whether eczema onset was in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, indicating a consistent elevation in risk tied to the condition itself.

Factors Influencing Suicidal Thoughts

The relationship between atopic eczema and suicidal ideation appears influenced by several key factors:

• - Age and Well-Being: Younger adults, particularly those under 30, exhibited a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts (OR=1.6). Additionally, individuals with obesity were also at a heightened risk (OR=1.29).
• - Clinical Severity: Patients experiencing moderate to severe eczema demonstrated a twofold increase in suicidal thoughts (OR=2.01), emphasizing the correlation between eczema severity and psychological distress.
• - Symptoms and Stigma: Other factors such as itch intensity, pain levels, and the overall burden of symptoms were markedly associated with an increased risk.
• - Psychosocial and Sleep Factors: Those with suicidal thoughts reported greater social stigma and experienced more frequent sleep disturbances, particularly mixed insomnia, which was notably linked to suicidal ideation (OR=1.78).

Implications for Healthcare Professionals

Dr. Delphine Kerob, one of the lead researchers in the study, articulated the crucial takeaway from the findings: "The effects of atopic eczema extend far beyond the skin. Suicidal thoughts represent a serious and often overlooked issue by healthcare professionals. By identifying the primary risk factors contributing to these thoughts in this population, we aim to equip healthcare providers with better tools to recognize and address these challenges, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of patients."

As we continue to unravel the intricate interplay between chronic physical conditions and mental health, the findings from the EADV 2025 Congress underscore the need for a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing that effective management of atopic eczema must also prioritize mental health support and intervention.