OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases. It has an estimated prevalence of between 5 and 30% in children, and is steadily increasing in industrialized countries. Pruritus, xerosis and inflammation are the main symptoms. METHODS: The ABS questionnaire (Atopy Burden Score) consists of 19 items, structured around 5 components (Everyday Life, Leisure, Family Life, Budget, Work and Privacy). It was distributed to a random sample of families consulting at the Necker Hospital. The ABS was accompanied by SF12 and PGWBI to obtain internal and external validation, and by the PO-SCORAD to assess the level of severity. RESULTS: 58 were considered evaluable. Internal validity was measured by Cronbach’s alpha, which is equal to 0.81, reflecting a good homogeneity of the 19 questionnaire items. The mean PGWBI score is 51.82±14.28. The scores are significantly different depending on the severity of the atopy. Families’ quality of life, measured using the SF12, revealed no deterioration in the physical component (52.83±7.08). The ABS score is correlated with the scores of the questionnaires used, thus confirming external validity.The mean score calculated from the ABS is 48.17±18.36. The score increases with the severity of the atopy.A statistically significant difference is observed between the three severity groups, i.e. mild, moderate and severe, with scores of 30.63±10.89, 42.55±15.72 and 62.62±13.59 respectively. Each of the five components is also correlated with the severity of atopy, which opens the door for more detailed analyses of sensitivity to change. CONCLUSIONS: The internal and external validity of our questionnaire were confirmed. ABS is correlated with the severity of atopy. This is currently being done as part of a program aimed at evaluating the therapeutic education and treatment of children in hydrotherapy centers. Following cultural and linguistic validation, the ABS is now available in US English, Spanish, German and Italian.