Connection Between Childhood Eczema and Behavioral Tendencies?
In a significant study conducted by the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) involving 4,898 children born between 1998 and 2000 in urban cities across the U.S., a connection has been established between childhood eczema (atopic dermatitis) and increased risks of behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders.
The primary link between eczema and these issues is the intense itching that often disrupts sleep, leading to frequent scratching and sleep disruption. This sleep deprivation can result in daytime sleepiness, irritability, inattention, moodiness, and increased behavioral problems such as hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, children with severe eczema may only get adequate sleep 0-3 nights per week, increasing their risk of conditions like ADHD.
Chronic stress from eczema-related discomfort may also heighten sympathetic nervous system activity, further interfering with sleep and behaviour. Inflammation from eczema might negatively impact brain development, potentially contributing to behavioural disorders, although this mechanism requires more research.
Moreover, children with eczema are at an increased risk of bullying and social isolation. These psychological stressors can further exacerbate behavioural issues. Behavioural difficulties in children with eczema can also stem from pain, frustration arising from their condition and its treatment.
Adolescents with eczema report higher rates of anxiety, depression, behavioural problems, and even suicidal thoughts compared to those without eczema. Children with eczema have an increased risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
To address these challenges, it may be beneficial to have a formal plan in place to accommodate the child's needs, such as a 504 plan in the U.S. Education of school teachers, nurses, and administrators about eczema may enhance psychosocial support for and reduce conflict with students who have eczema. Open communication between parents or caregivers and teachers can help address any social or emotional issues that might arise.
Treating eczema might help limit behavioural challenges in affected children and adolescents by reducing symptoms and improving sleep. Speaking with a child's teacher about their eczema, including treatment needs, symptoms, and potential limitations, may help prepare the teacher to support the child throughout the school year.
Behavioral interventions in schools may help limit behavioural challenges in children and adolescents with eczema. Children with eczema who have disrupted sleep 5 nights or more per week, as nearly 30% do according to the National Eczema Association, may particularly benefit from such interventions.
In conclusion, eczema in children and adolescents has far-reaching impacts beyond the skin. Itching from eczema causes sleep disruption, which contributes significantly to behavioural challenges, compounded by psychological stress and inflammation related to the skin condition. Addressing eczema and its related challenges requires a holistic approach that includes medical treatment, education, and behavioural interventions.
[1] Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) [2] National Eczema Association [3] American Academy of Dermatology [4] Journal of Pediatric Psychology [5] Journal of Adolescent Health
- The Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS) found a correlation between childhood eczema and increased risks of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
- Eczema's intense itching often causes sleep disruption, facilitating daytime sleepiness, irritability, inattention, mood swings, and increased behavioral issues.
- Severe eczema can lead to insufficient sleep for some children, as little as 0-3 nights per week, potentially increasing ADHD risk.
- Chronic stress from eczema-related discomfort can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, further complicating sleep and behavior.
- Inflammation from eczema might negatively influence brain development, which could contribute to behavioral disorders, although research is necessary on this mechanism.
- Children with eczema often face bullying and social isolation, exacerbating their behavioral issues.
- Adolescents with eczema report higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts compared to peers without eczema.
- Children with eczema are at an increased risk for developing ADHD and mental health issues.
- Implementing a formal plan like a 504 plan, educating school staff, and fostering open communication between parents/caregivers and teachers can help support children with eczema.
- Treating eczema can help minimize behavioral challenges in affected children and adolescents by reducing symptoms and ensuring better sleep.
- Behavioral interventions in schools can help mitigate behavioral challenges in children and adolescents with eczema, particularly those who frequently have disrupted sleep.
- According to the National Eczema Association, nearly 30% of children with eczema experience disrupted sleep for five or more nights per week.
- Addressing eczema and its associated challenges requires a comprehensive approach combining medical treatment, education, and behavioral interventions in health and wellness, workplace wellness, mental health, skin care, and fitness and exercise.
