Stigmatization and Self-perception in Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Overview

Journal Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Dermatology

Date 2016 Aug 9

PMID 27499642

Citations 28

Authors

Pavel V Chernyshov

Affiliations

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Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common skin diseases. Prevalence of AD is highest in childhood. Because of chronicity and often visible lesions, AD may lead to stigmatization and problems with self-perception. However, problems of self-perception and stigmatization in AD children are poorly studied. Literature data on general tendencies of children's development, clinical course, and epidemiologic tendencies of AD in different age groups make it possible to highlight three main periods in the formation of self-perception and stigmatization. The first period is from early infancy till 3 years of age. The child's problems in this period depend on parental exhaustion, emotional distress, and security of the mother-child attachment. The child's AD may form a kind of vicious circle in which severe AD causes parental distress and exhaustion that in turn lead to exacerbation of AD and psychological problems in children. The second period is from 3 till 10 years of age. During this period, development of AD children may be influenced by teasing, bullying, and avoiding by their peers. However, the majority of children in this age group are very optimistic. The third period is from 10 years till adulthood. Problems related to low self-esteem are characteristic during this period. It is important to identify children with AD and their parents who need psychological help and provide them with needs-based consultation and care. Appropriate treatment, medical consultations, and educational programs may help to reduce emotional problems in AD children and their parents.

Citing Articles

Infections in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis and the Influence of Treatment.

Napolitano M, Esposito M, Fargnoli M, Girolomoni G, Romita P, Nicoli E Am J Clin Dermatol. 2025; 26(2):183-197.

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Investigation of the Impact of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) on Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Almutawa Y, AlGhareeb M, Bhattarai E, Aljalahma J Cureus. 2024; 16(6):e63376.

PMID: 39077283 PMC: 11283933. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63376.

Development of a Patient Journey Map for Improving Patient Experience and Quality of Atopic Dermatitis Care.

Roustan G, Loro M, Rosell A, Menchen B, Vicente O, Elosua-Gonzalez M Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2024; 14(2):505-519.

PMID: 38334904 PMC: 10891039. DOI: 10.1007/s13555-024-01100-8.

Responsiveness and Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Infants and Toddlers Dermatology Quality of Life Questionnaire.

Chernyshov P, Marron S, Koumaki D, Pustisek N, Manolache L, Salavastru C Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2023; 13(11):2879-2893.

PMID: 37731087 PMC: 10613170. DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-01022-x.

Burden of Disease and Unmet Needs in the Diagnosis and Management of Atopic Dermatitis in Diverse Skin Types in Australia.

Courtney A, Lopez D, Lowe A, Holmes Z, Su J J Clin Med. 2023; 12(11).

PMID: 37298007 PMC: 10253598. DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113812.

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