Integrating Psychological Care to Improve Outcomes in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) substantially reduces the quality of life (QOL) in affected children due to visible skin lesions and persistent pruritus, while caregivers experience considerable psychological stress. This review analyzed six randomized controlled trials evaluating nonchemical interventions aimed at improving QOL and disease severity in pediatric AD patients. Interventions primarily included educational programs, with one study assessing the effect of viewing humorous films on sleep quality. Results indicated that educational interventions generally reduced disease severity compared to no education. Nurse-led clinics were more effective than dermatologist-led clinics, and video-based parental education outperformed direct teaching. Additionally, viewing humorous films before bedtime decreased night-time awakenings. Methodological limitations were identified in four studies, which may affect the strength of these conclusions. Rigorous, well-designed trials are needed to validate these findings and establish replicable intervention strategies. Overall, educational and behavioral interventions show promise for improving QOL and managing disease severity in children with AD.