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Dermatoses associated with atopic dermatitis
Correspondence Address:
A J Kanwar
Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Sector-32, Chandigarh
India
| How to cite this article: Kanwar A J, Sarkar R. Dermatoses associated with atopic dermatitis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2001;67:107 |
To the Editor
We read with interest the article, "Dermatoses associated with atopic dermatitis" by Mittal, et al (Vol 66; No 4, 2000) and we have a few comments to make. First of all, we would like to know from the authors who have studied 550 patients (which seems to be a large number of patients) over 2 years, and the age groups and criteria used to diagnose atopic dermatitis in adults. In our opinion, to make a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in adults is difficult, if not impossible and this diagnosis in adults should be accepted with a pinch of salt.
Most of the associations listed by the authors such as bacterial, fungal and viral infections are well known in patients of atopic dermatitis. However we were rather surprised to find that hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation have been listed as an association of AD. This to our mind is rather disturbing as these pigmentary disturbances would occur in any eczematous disorder whether AD or not. Similarly the occurrence of fixed drug eruptions, pityriasis versicolor, actinic prurigo, postherpectic neuralgia, acne, naevus etc. appear to be rather co-incidental rather than true associations. We do not think that the early diagnosis and treatment of these associated disorders which the authors have listed would further prevent recurrences of AD or add to the psychological stress (which is due to AD itself).′ It is true, however that the patients of AD do tend to have a number of associated problems and complications but not of the type described by the authors.
