Research says that about 15% of children have atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.It is measured that children with atopic dermatitis might be more prone to learning difficulties than kids who do not have the disease. Researchers say that children with eczema who have memory difficulties are also likely to develop major neurological diseases like ADHD.
In certain previous studies, children who were detected with atopic dermatitis have an increased chance of getting asthma, other skin allergies and food allergies. Eczema is usually known as a chronic skin disease where a part of the skin becomes red, dry and itchy. In a study conducted by JAMA Dermatology, researchers from John Hopkins University School of Medicine likened eczema to cognitive impairment like memory and learning difficulties.
According to recent data, about 17% of children aged 3 to 7 have more than one developmental impairment which includes language, speech or learning difficulties in the United States. Early onset of this cognitive impairment can affect academic performance, and occupational and social outcomes later in a child’s life. Therefore, parents need to recognize even the slightest symptoms of this impairment early in life so that a child is subjected to treatment early on.
For this study, researchers have examined data from more than 69 million children aged 17 or younger. It was discovered that more than 9 million children of this pediatric study participants had atopic dermatitis. They analyzed that children with atopic dermatitis alone were more likely to face learning and memory difficulties compared to other children without the condition. Along with this conclusion, it was also discovered that children with eczema or any other neurodevelopmental disease which includes ADHD or other learning difficulties have changes of memory loss later in their adult life. Scientists have also said that this diagnosis makes complete sense and that children who have ADHD might face possibilities of cognitive impairment compared to those who do not.
Another study conducted some time back contradicts these findings slightly. It says that there is no link between atopic dermatitis and memory difficulties among children without known neurodevelopmental conditions. While it might be important for doctors to ask their patients who were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis about how it impacts their daily functions which include school activities, some results from research suggest that the screening should be limited to children with neurodevelopmental concerns only.
Further research is being conducted to find out how cognitive impairment may vary with age. Research on comorbid mood and sleep that are known to mediate the relationship between atopic dermatitis and cognitive impairment among children with neurodevelopmental disorders is also being checked thoroughly.
Some doctors say that skin disease causes a lot of irritation which can affect one’s ability to learn and focus. So, more research is needed to figure out the ‘why ‘ of cognitive impairment in such children. Understanding the causes of cognitive impairment can aid in discovering better treatments or therapy.
Journal Reference –Emily Z. Ma, B. (2024). Symptoms of Cognitive Impairment Among Children With Atopic Dermatitis.
Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2815633
