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Stressors in Atopic Dermatitis

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Management of Atopic Dermatitis

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 1027))

Abstract

As with other inflammatory skin disorders, atopic dermatitis has a tendency to cause stress and also be exacerbated by it. Patients with atopic dermatitis have several disease-associated stressors, some of which include physical discomfort due to itching and altered appearance due to flare-ups. These stressors have been shown to effect patients psychosocially by altering sleep patterns, decreasing self-esteem and interfering with interpersonal relationships. In combination with its direct effect on patients, atopic dermatitis also causes stress for parents and caregivers. Studies suggest that atopic dermatitis is strongly correlated with co-sleeping habits, which can negatively impact the health and mood of parents or caregivers. It has also been reported to interfere with the formation of a strong mother-child relationship. In order to optimize treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis, it is important to note the impact that it has on quality of life. By implementing patient counseling, sleep-targeted therapies, and the use of quality of life (QoL) indices, atopic dermatitis patients and caregivers have the potential to experience greater satisfaction with treatment.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, USA

    Steven Barilla B.S., B.A., Kayla Felix B.S. & Joseph L. Jorizzo M.D.

Authors
  1. Steven Barilla B.S., B.A.
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  2. Kayla Felix B.S.
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  3. Joseph L. Jorizzo M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steven Barilla B.S., B.A. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA

    Erica A. Fortson

  2. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA

    Steven R. Feldman

  3. Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston Salem, North Carolina, USA

    Lindsay C. Strowd

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Barilla, S., Felix, K., Jorizzo, J.L. (2017). Stressors in Atopic Dermatitis. In: Fortson, E., Feldman, S., Strowd, L. (eds) Management of Atopic Dermatitis. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1027. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64804-0_7

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