Provokationsfaktoren des kindlichen atopischen ekzems - Eine fragebogengestützte erhebung

Background: On the background of a genetic disposition different individual provocation factors play an important role in the manifestation of atopic eczema. The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of various provocation factors in childhood according to the parents' view by using a standardized questionnaire. Patients and methods: 128 children aged five months to 15 years (mean age 3.7 years), who were seen in the outpatient department of our clinic, were involved in this study. Parents were asked to specify individually relevant provocation factors using a questionnaire comprising 16 pages. Results: Irritating factors were determined as the most common triggers of atopic eczema. In particular worsening of skin lesions after sweating was noted in 66.7%. 65.8% of the parents observed an influence of emotional factors like stress on the condition of their children's skin. In 62.7% climate was considered important for childhood atopic eczema. An exacerbation was attributed to the ingestion of specific foods in 56.5%, in 21.1% to contact with pollen or animal dander, and in 19.7% to house dust exposure. Conclusion: Many different factors influence atopic eczema in childhood. Comprehensive management of atopic eczema has to concentrate on the determination of individual provocation factors.