Children
Beyond the Skin: An Integrated Biopsychosocial Framework for Childhood Atopic Dermatitis
By Hannia Bertha Matt Hernandez and María Isabel Rojo Gutiérrez.
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease in childhood characterized by pruritus, skin barrier dysfunction, and a relapsing–remitting course. Beyond its cutaneous manifestations, AD may substantially affect the psychosocial well-being of children and their families.
Objective
To synthesize current evidence on the psychosocial burden of pediatric AD and integrate biopsychosocial and burden-of-disease frameworks into a clinically oriented approach, with particular relevance to pediatric allergy practice.
Methods
A narrative review of literature published from January 2013 through May 2026 was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Evidence addressing health-related quality of life, sleep disturbance, emotional and behavioral outcomes, social functioning, treatment-related burden, and caregiver and family burden was synthesized narratively, prioritizing pediatric populations.