Social impact of atopic dermatitis.

AD most often arises in infants and children and can persist into adulthood. It is a common and important condition that can have a negative impact on quality of life by affecting psychosocial adjustment in children, creating embarrassment, disrupting sporting activities in older children, and by interfering with employment opportunities in adults. Substantial impact on family function can result from having a child with AD. Parents describe feelings of guilt, exhaustion, frustration and helplessness. AD disrupts sleep not only in patients but also in parents and family members. Parents can miss work or avoid outside work altogether due to a child with AD, and the caregiver's social functioning can be damaged. Spousal and other familial relationships can be affected along with parenting behavior. All of these challenges become even greater with low-income families, who often have minimal social support mechanisms. There is a profound need for enhanced and expanded efficacy and cost research regarding the treatment and control of AD. Informed and thoughtful changes of public policy could minimize its future socioeconomic toll on patients and their families.