Atopic dermatitis negatively impacts family life

Atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients leads to negative effects on physical, economic, social, and emotional aspects of family life, according to a recent study.

A cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered to children and adolescents aged 6 months to under 18 years and their parents or caregivers across 18 countries encompassing North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East/Eurasia, and East Asia. These children and adolescents had been identified with atopic dermatitis by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood criteria. 

The Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure and the Patient Global Assessmentwas used to determine the severity of each case. Finally, the impact on families’ lives was determined through the Dermatitis Family Impact questionnaire. The 7465 pairs of pediatric patients surveyed were divided into subscales based on the severity of atopic dermatitis. 

Subscale scores with a greater severity of atopic dermatitis reported a greater negative impact on family life in every aspect, alongside greater sleep and tiredness. Parents missed more workdays and spent more time on childcare in more severe cases. Trends did not change between age groups.

Reference

Barbarot S, Silverberg JI, Gadkari A, Simpson EL, Weidinger S, Mina-Osorio P, et al. The family impact of atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population: results from an international cross-sectional study. J Pediatr. 2022;246:220-226.e5. doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.04.027