Survey study, 1991
Does atopic dermatitis get worse before your period?
Yes, about one in three women report their atopic dermatitis worsens before their period, especially if they have PMS. During pregnancy, half worsened but some improved.
What they did
150 women completed a postal questionnaire about whether their atopic dermatitis got worse before their period and during pregnancy.
What they found
33% had premenstrual worsening of atopic dermatitis, with a significant association to PMS symptoms. During pregnancy, 52% experienced worsening (usually in first 20 weeks), but 24% improved.
What it means for you
If you have atopic dermatitis and PMS, your skin may flare before your period. The study relied on women's memory of symptoms, which can be unreliable. We do not know what causes this connection.
33%
premenstrual worsening
52%
worsened during pregnancy
24%
improved during pregnancy
About the study
- Original title
- The influence of the menstrual cycle and pregnancy on atopic dermatitis
- Authors
- Kemmett D, Tidman MJ
- Journal
- The British journal of dermatology
- Year
- 1991
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 150
- What was tested
- None (observational study)
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1991.tb06041.x
Topics
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