Quality of Life and the Mental Toll of Itch

Dr. Justin Marson (00:07):

Hi, I am Dr. Justin Marson. I completed my residency at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn. I think one thing to consider with our patients that we see in our clinic and every patient, but maybe also especially with our patients with atopic dermatitis, is their quality of life and their mental health. I remember reading when I was going through medical school that some people found that itch is more disturbing and more traumatizing and more impactful to their quality of life than pain is. And so if you imagine you're so itchy that you aren't able to sleep, you aren't able to function and work, that takes a serious toll on a patient's mental health.

(00:48):

Certainly there are a lot of our newer medications which can address both the itch as well as the rash, and do wonders for them. But I think it's important to also have the conversation with our patients in case they need additional adjunctive care, or referrals to our colleagues in psychiatry or other mental health professionals.