Economic burden of atopic dermatitis in Portugal: a cross-sectional study

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life and imposes substantial economic burdens due to direct medical costs and indirect costs such as absenteeism and loss of productivity. This study aimed to quantify the economic impact of AD in Portugal. A cross-sectional study was conducted on AD-diagnosed Portuguese residents using a 70-question survey, distributed between June 2019 and January 2020, including DLQI, EQ-5D, and VAS scales, to assess AD's 12 months impact. Statistical analysis included univariate and bivariate methods with post-stratification by disease severity. Findings revealed a mean DLQI score of 9.4 and a 24% productivity loss equating to 50 workdays annually. The economic impact calculated from the participation in the labor market totaled €1.477 million, including €43 million from absenteeism, €1.295 million from presenteeism, and €139 million of missed days by family members. The economic value of time spent treating the disease amounts to €311 million. The total annual cost of treating the disease is shared between the NHS (€218 million) and the patient out-of-pocket cost (€800 million). These results highlight AD's significant economic burden in Portugal, underscoring the need for comprehensive strategies to improve disease management, access to dermatological care, and quality of life. This study emphasizes the importance of investing in AD health services and promoting access to effective treatments to achieve economic and societal benefits.