Atopic dermatitis greatly affects the quality of life of afflicted children and their families. The comprehensive conceptual framework summarizes the ways in which atopic dermatitis affects the quality of life in young American children. This conceptual framework forms the basis from which quality-of-life instruments can be developed.

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Key Points Question Do children with atopic dermatitis experience impaired sleep duration and sleep quality throughout childhood, and do disease severity and activity affect their sleep? Findings In this longitudinal cohort study of 13 988 children, atopic dermatitis was statistically significantly associated with impaired sleep quality but not sleep duration throughout childhood. Sleep impairment was more common among children with more severe disease and with comorbid asthma or allergic rhinitis, and the risk remained elevated even among children with mild and inactive atopic dermatitis. Meaning These findings suggest that clinicians should consider sleep quality among all children with atopic dermatitis, especially those with comorbid asthma or allergic rhinitis and severe disease; it appears interventions to improve sleep quality are needed for this population.

In most skin conditions we considered, psychiatric morbidity was strongly associated with poorer quality of life. Although the cross-sectional nature of our study does not allow identification of the direction of this association, care for the psychological condition of patients might have an impact on their quality of life.