Feelings of stress can play a crucial role in the course of atopic dermatitis. As psychological triggers, they can induce itching and scratching, worsening the skin condition.
Stress affects the skin through complex neurological, hormonal, and immunological pathways. The individual stress threshold varies, and it also has an impact on whether one is under acute or chronic high tension.
Stress does not necessarily mean always having negative feelings. Even positively perceived experiences can bring excitement and tension. Likewise, the child’s development continually presents challenges accompanied by strong emotions. Children with atopic dermatitis are often sensitive and responsive, reacting quickly to tensions and conflicts, even within the family and environment.
With atopic dermatitis, it is quite possible to feel permanently overwhelmed and exhausted. It is therefore important to take this seriously and seek professional psychological advice.
Depending on the child’s age and environment, various stressors may be considered. Here is a selection.
General stressors:
- Confrontation with new situations
- Change in daily routine
- Sensory overload or boredom
- Developmental and defiant phases
- Positive stress, e.g., anticipation of a birthday, travel
- Conflicts in the family or with friends
- Time and performance pressure
Illness-related stressors:
- Itching and pain, recurring flare-ups
- Therapy efforts
- Abstinence and limitations, e.g., with allergies
- Difficulty sleeping through the night and subsequent concentration problems
- Self-image and self-esteem issues, e.g., not liking one’s own skin, fear of rejection
- Feelings of helplessness or guilt, e.g., due to scratching
These 9 measures can help in achieving calmness:
- Compensate for sleep deficits
- Maintain a regular daily routine, schedule rest breaks
- Tell stories, practice relaxation exercises, and use relaxing music
- Process emotions by talking about them
- Release tension through physical activities
- Creative expression through painting or playing
- Discuss predictable stressful situations with the child or practice behaviors in advance
- Strengthen the child’s self-esteem: Encourage hobbies and competencies
- If needed, seek professional help: relaxation training, yoga for children, stress management courses, psychotherapy
What you can do for your child
- Support your child in coping with stress
- Ensure sufficient sleep and a regular daily routine
- Ensure regular relaxation times without constant sensory overload
- Help your child express their feelings through play and conversations
- Prepare your child for new situations and changes
- Strengthen your child’s self-esteem
- Document your child’s skin condition via an app or diary as this can be helpful to better identify stressful situations that trigger relapses in the long term
Note:
Experiencing both positive and negative stress is a normal part of a child’s development. Stress cannot be entirely avoided, but coping with it can be learned!
