Atopic dermatitis is a skin allergic disease, which increases its incidence each year, thus, demands more researches in order to minimize its social impact. The influence of psychological factors, when developing such an illness is known. Stress and anxiety are usual factors that affect the immunological system in a severe way; such psychological factors characterize atopic dermatitis as a psychosomatic illness. Three families were investigated in a qualitative framework, through the use of a semi-structured interview. Family perceptions and elements related to the family dynamics, concerning atopic dermatitis, were studied, once one child in each family bears the illness. The families reported that atopic dermatitis had damaged the whole family in psychological and social aspects, consequently, influencing the family relationship and influencing in the intensity and frequency of symptoms due to the increasing stress, besides interfering in the family communication and relationship.
Atopic dermatitis; psychosomatic medicine; family dynamics