- Approximately 15% to 20% of children globally are diagnosed with atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema.
- According to findings from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, children affected by atopic dermatitis are at a higher risk of encountering challenges related to learning and memory compared to their peers without the condition.
- The researchers further noted that children with eczema faced a two-fold to three-fold increased likelihood of experiencing memory issues if they also had a neurodevelopmental condition like ADHD or learning disabilities.
Researchers estimate that between 15% and 20% of children worldwide are affected by atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. This chronic condition leads to dry, itchy, red, and irritated skin. Previous research has indicated that children with eczema face an elevated risk of developing other conditions such as asthma, skin infections, and food allergies.
Furthermore, studies have connected eczema in children with a higher likelihood of experiencing neurodevelopmental disorders like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, and learning disabilities.
In a study published in the journal JAMA Dermatology, researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Maryland offer additional evidence linking eczema to cognitive impairment, including learning and memory difficulties, in children.
The study revealed that children with atopic dermatitis were more prone to encountering challenges related to learning and memory compared to those without the condition.
Furthermore, the researchers noted that children with eczema faced a two-fold to three-fold increased risk of experiencing memory difficulties if they also had a neurodevelopmental disorder like ADHD or learning disabilities.
Study
When Christopher Adams’ two children developed eczema at around 7 or 8 years old, he and his wife noticed more than just the visible skin issues.
“We observed a decline in both their ability to concentrate and focus, both at school and at home, and we strongly believe it is directly related to their skin conditions,” said Adams, the founder of the aquarium website ModestFish.com, to Healthline.
Following several doctor appointments and tests on both boys, now aged 12 and 14, there was no conclusive diagnosis for any common learning disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
However, something was causing a disruption in learning for them that their other son, who didn’t have eczema, didn’t experience.
“Our psychologists concurred that the onset of learning disability is somewhat correlated with their focus on their bodies during breakouts, rather than what they should be concentrating on,” Adams explained.
Researchers conducting a recent study on eczema would likely support this.
They found that children with eczema are up to three times more likely to have a learning disability than those without the condition.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic condition characterized by itchy skin that may appear red, purple, or gray, depending on skin tone. While common in children, it can occur at any age, often flaring periodically and being more prevalent in individuals with asthma and hay fever.
While there is no cure, treatment and self-care can alleviate itching and prevent new outbreaks.
More than 30 million people in the United States have some form of eczema.
The study findings demonstrated…
The study examined data from over 2,000 children with eczema spanning a decade. According to the researchers, the reasons behind the connection remain unclear, but it’s plausible that the persistent itching contributes to disrupted sleep and distraction, thereby impacting learning abilities.
Dr. Joy Wan, a co-author of the study and a dermatologist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, suggested that “inflammatory pathways” might also play a role in affecting learning.
A little over 8 percent of the participants in the study reported being diagnosed with a learning disability, rendering them more than twice as likely to experience learning difficulties compared to children without eczema.
Of those with a learning disability, approximately 9 percent had severe eczema, whereas less than 5 percent of those without the condition reported such severity.
Impaired cognitive function in children.
In the United States, approximately 17% of children aged 3 to 17 have one or more developmental disabilities, which can impact learning, language, and behavioral skills.
Dr. Joy Wan, an assistant professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the lead author of this study, emphasized that cognitive impairment, particularly in early life, is associated with negative life outcomes, including poor academic, occupational, and socioeconomic results later on. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize cognitive deficits, even if they are mild, to facilitate effective interventions as early as possible.
Wan noted that while there’s been increasing research linking atopic dermatitis with conditions like ADHD and learning disabilities, studies focusing on symptoms of cognitive impairment, rather than solely relying on reported diagnoses, have been relatively scarce and have shown inconsistent findings.
She also told
“Thus, we were interested in using data from this nationally representative sample of U.S. children to examine whether atopic dermatitis was associated with symptoms of learning or memory difficulties, Moreover, we wanted to examine how this relationship is influenced by known neurodevelopmental conditions to further characterize whether specific subgroups of children with atopic dermatitis are more susceptible to cognitive impairments.”
Eczema during childhood and its association with difficulties in learning and memory.
For this study, Wan and her team analyzed data from over 69 million children aged 17 or younger, collected from the U.S. National Health Interview Survey in 2021.
Of the pediatric participants, slightly over 9 million, or approximately 13%, had atopic dermatitis.
Upon examination, researchers discovered that children with atopic dermatitis were more prone to encountering difficulties in learning and memory compared to those without the skin condition.
Wan commented, “The results didn’t come as much of a surprise to us because they are consistent with and bolster previous findings from our team and others, indicating that atopic dermatitis is linked to learning disabilities and memory issues.”
Eczema in conjunction with ADHD and other conditions.
Scientists also found that children diagnosed with both eczema and any form of neurodevelopmental disorder, such as ADHD or learning disabilities, had a two-fold to three-fold increased likelihood of experiencing memory issues.
“We weren’t entirely surprised because it’s logical to think that children with known diagnoses of ADHD or learning disabilities might exhibit symptoms of cognitive impairment more frequently than those without these conditions,” Wan explained.
“However, what we also observed was an interaction between atopic dermatitis and these neurodevelopmental conditions concerning memory impairment, suggesting that they may have cumulative effects on cognitive dysfunction,” she added. “In other words, among children with only ADHD or learning disabilities, having atopic dermatitis alone was associated with a two-fold to three-fold higher probability of memory difficulties compared to not having atopic dermatitis.”
No significant link found in children without neurodevelopmental conditions.
Wan highlighted another noteworthy discovery from the study, contributing to existing literature, indicating no significant link between atopic dermatitis and learning or memory difficulties in children without known neurodevelopmental conditions.
“This finding provides reassurance and may aid in better stratifying patients with atopic dermatitis concerning their risk of cognitive issues,” she remarked. “While it remains essential for clinicians to inquire about the impact of a child’s atopic dermatitis on their daily activities, including school tasks, our findings suggest that children without neurodevelopmental concerns such as ADHD or learning disabilities are not at notably elevated risk for cognitive impairment. Therefore, screening for cognitive impairment should primarily focus on children with neurodevelopmental diagnoses or concerns.”
“Since our study’s data source lacked information on atopic dermatitis severity or age of onset, further investigation is necessary to comprehend how the risk of cognitive impairment may fluctuate concerning these factors,” Wan added. “Additionally, we are exploring other risk factors, such as sleep or concurrent mood symptoms, that might influence the relationship between atopic dermatitis and cognitive impairment, particularly among children with known neurodevelopmental disorders.”
The enigma of childhood eczema
Dr. Peter Lio, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Illinois, informed Medical News Today that this study contributes fresh insights into childhood eczema while also corroborating previous research.
“We’ve understood for quite some time now the strong link between atopic dermatitis and certain developmental and cognitive issues,” remarked Lio, who was not involved in the study. “This underscores the importance of paying attention to this connection, especially in patients with moderate to severe symptoms.”
“Crucially, the exact reason for this correlation remains unclear,” he added. “It could be related to the disease itself causing itchiness and disrupting sleep, which significantly impacts focus and learning abilities. I believe it’s essential to delve deeper into the ‘why.’ Is this correlation independent, or can we pinpoint specific factors driving it, enabling us to develop treatment strategies for prevention?”
Dr. Daniel Ganjian, a pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in California, regarding the study.
“This study reinforces the significance of psychodermatology,” stated Ganjian, who was not part of the study. “It highlights the robust relationship between mental health and skin conditions. Researchers are persistently exploring the potential factors behind cognitive impairment in children for various reasons.”
“Gaining insight into the origins of cognitive impairment can facilitate the development of more effective treatments and interventions to enhance the quality of life for children grappling with these issues,” he continued. “Furthermore, it can aid in identifying children who might be susceptible to cognitive difficulties, allowing for early intervention and assistance.”
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