Psychological dysfunction associated with atopic dermatitis

Skin disease can have a profound effect on an individual's social interactions, psychologic adjustment, work success, sexual relationships, and quality of life. Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) may have disrupted sleep with consequent daytime fatigue and compromised school and work quality. Spouses of patients with AD also may feel the psychologic burden of their partners' severe skin disease and may experience anxious or depressive symptoms. Parents with children who have AD may be required to provide heroic efforts to treat their child's disease and ease their suffering, possibly experiencing loss of sleep, a significant economic impact of medical care, and distress at their child's upset.