The intense itching and other skin symptoms that come with atopic dermatitis can cause kids to stay up all night scratching, interfering with their ability to get a good night’s sleep.
During the day, this can manifest as hyperactivity, rather than sleepiness, interfering with their ability to concentrate or sit still for long periods.
The itchy, flaky skin that comes with atopic dermatitis can also interfere with a child’s ability to focus during the day. They may be distracted by the intense discomfort and feel compelled to scratch their eczema patches.
“It’s important to distinguish between ADHD and behaviors that resemble ADHD,” says Dr. Levine. “Eczema cannot ‘cause’ ADHD. However, children with moderate-to-severe eczema often experience intense itching, especially at night, which can significantly disrupt their sleep. Poor sleep affects attention, concentration, emotional regulation, and impulse control during the day.”
Plus, their focus on eczema symptoms can take their attention away from school and other tasks. “When a child is constantly thinking about how uncomfortable their skin feels or trying to resist the urge to scratch, it’s much harder to pay attention in school, complete homework, or stay engaged in activities,” says Levine.
Atopic dermatitis can also take a mental or emotional toll on kids, with skin symptoms and a lack of sleep causing distress, depression, or anxiety.
“Children with visible eczema may feel embarrassed or self-conscious, worry about being teased, or become frustrated by frequent flares and the daily treatment routine,” says Levine. Those mental health issues can further affect their concentration.
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