A dermatite atópica (DA) é uma dermatose inflamatória crônica que persiste no adulto em 40% dos casos. Foram avaliados 75 adultos com DA, utilizando um questionário geral (SF-36) e um específico (DLQI). O escore de gravidade empregado foi o EASI, e o prurido e a insônia foram avaliados por medidas subjetivas. Os aspectos emocionais da QV na DA foram os mais comprometidos, e quatro grupos, segundo o EASI e o SF-36 foram estabelecidos: I (16/75)-doença leve e menor comprometimento da QV; II (19/75)-doença leve e maior comprometimento da QV, com predomínio do sexo feminino; III (7/75)-doença grave e menor comprometimento da QV; IV (33/75)-doença grave e maior comprometimento da QV. Sugerimos que a QV deve ser cuidadosamente considerada quando utilizada como instrumento exclusivo de avaliação na DA no adulto

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis AD) is a chronic, inflammatory and pruritic dermatosis with an increasing prevalence in the last 30 years. It affects 2-7% of the adults, and may persist in adult life in 40% of the cases. Adults with AD suffer an impact generated with this disease in the physical and especially in the emotional aspects in their daily activities, social and familial dynamics, leading to financial and self-esteem losses. The aim of this study was to analyze the quality of life (QV) of these patients. METHODS: Seventy-five adult patients with AD were evaluated, utilizing a generic (SF-36) and a specific (DLQI)questionnaire. EASI was the severity score chosen, and pruritus and insomnia were evaluated by subjective measures. Patients were divided into four distinct groups, according to EASI and SF-36. RESULTS: The most compromised domains were related to the emotional aspects in SF-36, and symptoms and feelings in DLQI. Four groups, according to EASI and SF-36 were established: I (16/75)-mild disease and less QV compromise; II (19/75)-mild disease and more QV compromise, with predominance of women; III (7/75)-severe disease and less QV compromise; IV (33/75)-severe disease and more QV compromise. These groups did not show any correlation with age, educational level, income and time length of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that QV must be carefully evaluated, when utilized as exclusive evaluation instrument in adult AD, once individual emotional aspects may masquerade its analysis.