Investigation of possible relationship between atopic dermatitis and salivary biomarkers, stress, and sleep disorders

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, multifactorial inflammatory disease with genetic, environmental, and immunological characteristics. The quality of life and sleep of patients and their families are affected by AD, which triggers stress, described as one of the factors that worsens AD. Salivary biomarkers such as cortisol, alpha-amylase, chromogranin A, and melatonin have been associated with stress and sleep disturbances. Therefore, the evaluation of stress and sleep disorders using salivary biomarkers in AD patients is important. This review aims to describe the possible relationship between atopic dermatitis and stress, sleep disorders, and salivary biomarkers, seeking to contribute to better understanding and clinical management of AD. This descriptive study is characterized as a narrative literature review. A literature search was conducted of studies published in English and Portuguese between January 2012 and October 2022 that are available in electronic media from various databases, such as Scientific Electronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences, and PubMed. AD is associated with different degrees of impact on the lives of individuals who present with the disease. Psychological stress may induce changes in saliva composition and worsen AD; at the same time, the severity of the disease may be associated with emotional impact. Further studies are needed to assess and correlate AD severity, stress, and sleep disturbances with salivary biomarkers in order to better understand this association.