Habitual Scratching in Atopic Dermatitis and Its Association with Disease Severity: Findings from Japanese Health Insurance Claims and App-Based Data.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In atopic dermatitis (AD), scratching sustains inflammation and impairs the skin barrier. Beyond scratching driven by itch, affected individuals may engage in habitual scratching, defined as repetitive, unconscious scratching that occurs without itch. The extent and clinical significance of habitual scratching in Japanese patients remain unclear. This study aimed to assess the frequency of habitual scratching and its association with AD severity in the Japanese population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Japan using data from anonymized health insurance claims and a nationwide app-based questionnaire administered in October 2022. Included individuals were adults (aged 19-74 years) and children (aged ≤ 18 years) with a self-reported diagnosis

SUBMITTER: Nakahara T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12550088 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature