Delphine Kerob, MD, in this segment of her interview, expanded on the clinical implications of new data on atopic dermatitis and lifelong impacts.
A
Discussing findings from a large international study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Kerob emphasized that the data should encourage clinicians to move beyond a narrow focus on visible symptoms and actively explore the everyday experiences of children living with atopic dermatitis. While the disease is often evaluated through measures of skin severity, itch, and treatment response, she argued that healthcare professionals should also routinely ask questions about school performance, social interactions, and emotional well-being.
According to Kerob, simple conversations can reveal important burdens that may otherwise go unnoticed. She suggested clinicians ask children how they are doing at school, whether itch affects their ability to concentrate in class, and whether they experience challenges with peers because of visible skin lesions. Questions about activities such as swimming or sports may also help identify situations where children feel self-conscious or fear negative reactions from classmates.
Kerob additionally stressed the importance of education and communication for both patients and families. She noted that children often want to understand their disease so they can explain it to friends and classmates. Helping young patients understand the nature of atopic dermatitis, she said, can empower them to address misconceptions and reduce feelings of isolation. At the same time, clinicians should encourage patients to discuss concerns that may not emerge during routine office visits, where conversations often focus primarily on treatment plans and symptom management.
A major theme of the discussion was the need to address stigma surrounding visible skin disease. Kerob highlighted that many people mistakenly associate skin lesions with contagious conditions, despite the fact that atopic dermatitis is not transmissible. She argued that education should extend beyond patients and parents to include teachers, coaches, and others who regularly interact with affected children. Improving public understanding of skin diseases, she said, may help reduce social exclusion and the lasting psychological burden associated with childhood disease.
Ultimately, Kerob suggested that effective atopic dermatitis management requires a holistic approach. While controlling inflammation, repairing the skin barrier, and reducing itch remain essential goals, clinicians should not overlook the psychological and social dimensions of the disease. Given the study’s findings that childhood experiences with atopic dermatitis can leave a lasting imprint even after symptoms resolve, she emphasized that listening, education, and open communication should be viewed as important components of care alongside medical treatment.
Disclosures: Delphine Kerob is a full-time employee of La Roche Posay Laboratoire Dermatologique and has been employed by Laboratoires Vichy, France, and L’Oreal.
References
