Research Article

Nayyer Shamim, Jahangir Hussain, Munnaza Habib, Moattar Fatima, Ali Hamza, Nimra Ameen, Zoha Gondal

Published on : December 2024 | Volume : 1 Issue : 2

Abstract :

Vitamin D deficiency is a growing concern in modern lifestyles characterized by limited sun exposure and dietry patterns. It also plays a significant role in various health conditions, including atopic dermatitis (AD). AD is a chronic skin disease characterised by signs such as itching and dryness of the skin. Along with vitamin D deficiency there is thus an addition of genetic and environmental factors that also have a direct bearing on the severity of AD. This cross-sectional study analysed the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and AD severity in 250 participants of different age group. in Pakistan. Validated scales such as Vitamin D Status Assessment (VDSA), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and Atopic Dermatitis Severity Index (ADSI) were included to measure the vitamin D levels and AD symptoms. Majority of the patients aged 18-30 years (55.2%), followed by those less than 18 years (40.0%), and a small portion aged 31-40 years (4.8%). Current study determined a significant positive correlation regarding the presence of vitamin D deficiency with severity of AD (r = 0.569, p < 0.001). Multiple Regression further supported on the fact that vitamin D deficiency explained 48% of the variability in AD severity (F = 1.53- 64.32, p < .001). The severity of among the individuals was predominantly moderate. Symptoms such as pruritus, erythema, and dryness which were assessed as moderate levels. This study also mentioned the severity of AD was profound in summer season. There could be an association of increased adoption of modern lifestyle with minimum sun exposure and severity of AD in summer season. It is suggested for clinicians to perform systematic assessments for lifestyle and vitamin D as a routine elemental analysis for patients with moderate to severe AD. The results of the study indicate that there is a possibility that vitamin D may be taken as an additional approach to the existing treatment regimens, so patients’ quality of life could be enhanced, and the intensity of symptoms could be diminished.