Premenstrual deterioration of skin symptoms in female patients with atopic dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Although it has been recognized that women with atopic dermatitis often show menstrual-cycle-associated skin deterioration, information about this subject is meager. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the clinical features of the monthly worsening of atopic dermatitis. METHODS: A total of 286 Japanese women with atopic dermatitis were interviewed to see whether the menstrual cycle had any influence upon their skin lesions, and whether they had symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Patients suffering from monthly skin deterioration were then observed during and after the monthly worsening. RESULTS: Of the 286 patients interviewed, 134 (47%) had monthly skin deterioration, most of which occurred in the premenstrual week. There was individual difference in severity of the monthly skin worsening. All patients with the premenstrual skin aggravation had symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Premenstrual worsening of skin lesions occurs in approximately half of women with atopic dermatitis. The premenstrual skin deterioration is related to the premenstrual syndrome.