Effective treatment of atopic dermatitis in small children significantly improves the quality of life of patients and their families.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) has a severe impact on quality of life (QoL).

Objectives: To analyze the impact of AD on QoL of small children with moderate-to-severe AD in a tertiary health care hospital in Helsinki, Finland.

Materials & Methods: Based on interim analysis of this longitudinal follow-up study, we investigated treatment response (topical corticosteroids vs. tacrolimus) and QoL of 152 small children with moderate-to-severe AD.

Results: The tacrolimus group had a significantly better treatment response at 12 months visit, but thereafter no differences were observed (p = 0.029; Mann-Whitney U test). The odds ratio for group comparisons was 2.258 (CI: 1.151-4.431). There was a significant improvement in QoL during follow-up in both treatment groups. Our study showed substantial improvements in disease severity and QoL based on active management and effective treatments in small children with AD. The main improvement was seen during the first year in both treatment groups with a lasting response.

Conclusion: Effective treatment has a significant positive impact on the QoL of small children with AD and their families.