A global study of more than 22,800 adults from 27 countries shows that atopic dermatitis starting in childhood can have long-lasting effects on education, career choices, and mental well-being-even after the skin condition resolves.
The 'Scars of Life' study divided participants into five groups based on when their eczema started and whether it persisted. Adults whose eczema began in childhood and continued into adulthood reported the worst outcomes: 36.6% said it limited their education, 37.3% said it affected how long they could study, and 38.3% said it restricted their career options. More than a third said they faced discrimination because of their skin condition.
Even people whose childhood eczema cleared up later in life still reported more career limitations, avoidance of public-facing jobs, and perceived discrimination compared to those who developed eczema as adults. Researchers say this points to 'invisible scars' linked to disrupted sleep, stress, and brain development during key childhood years.
Regional differences were striking. India reported the highest impact on education and careers, while Europe and Australasia had the lowest. The authors suggest these disparities may stem from differences in healthcare access, disease awareness, and economic conditions.
The study's authors say early, multidisciplinary intervention-including psychological and educational support-could help reduce the long-term burden of childhood-onset atopic dermatitis.