Sport and atopic dermatitis.

Introduction. - Quality of life measures in English-language quality of lif e measurements and an audit by members of the Association francaise des per sonnes atteintes de dermatite atopique (AFPADA) have shown the impact of th eir disease on physical and sports activities. The aim of this study was to assess athletic activities and their impact on atopic eczema. Methods. - An anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to members of the AFP ADA greater than or equal to II years of age. The questionnaire was structu red in three parts: anamnesis and symptoms, athletic activities, and impact on atopic eczema. Results. - The questionnaire was completed by 140 members (78% females), wi th severe atopic eczema in 60%. Ninety-four of 140 participated in sports, 30% less than 3 hours a week, mainly bycycling or swimming. Sports were con sidered as a relaxation (54%) but also as an aggravating factor for atopic eczema (61%). Athletic activities were affected in 70%. Discussion. - Physical exercise for patients with atopic eczema has a posit ive influence on the patient's mood and psychosocial well-being, except in the acute stages of the disease. Little is known about the neuromechanisms involved in pruritus accompanying eczema and especially sweating, (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.