Pediatric dermatitis is linked to learning and memory difficulties, especially in those with neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the need for cognitive assessment in these children.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the correlation between atopic dermatitis (AD) and cognitive impairment symptoms, such as learning or memory difficulties, in children. Furthermore, to determine if this correlation fluctuates depending on the presence or absence of neurodevelopmental comorbidities, including developmental delay, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disorders.

The information from the 2021 US National Health Interview Survey was utilized, focusing on children under the age of 17 who did not have intellectual disability or autism. The identification of AD relied on either a current diagnosis or past medical confirmation by a healthcare provider. The primary focus was on assessing difficulties in learning or memory.

A whopping 9,223,013 (13.2%) were diagnosed with AD among the total weighted participants of 69,732,807. 

Compared to children without AD, those with AD were more prone to encountering challenges in learning (10.8% [95% CI, 7.8%-15.8%] versus 5.9% [95% CI, 5.1%-6.9%]; P < .001) and memory (11.1% [95% CI, 8.0%-15.9%] versus 5.8% [95% CI, 4.9%-6.9%]; P < .001). 

AD was linked with increased odds of learning difficulties (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.77; 95% CI, 1.28-2.45) and memory difficulties (AOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.19-2.41) in multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic factors, asthma, food allergies and seasonal allergies or hay fever. AD was associated with 2- to 3-fold higher odds of memory challenges among children with any neurodevelopmental disorder (AOR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.43-3.57), including ADHD (AOR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.60-5.24) or learning disabilities (AOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.04-4.00). However, AD showed no association with learning or memory difficulties among children lacking neurodevelopmental conditions. 

Pediatric atopic dermatitis showed an increased likelihood of encountering learning and memory difficulties, particularly noticeable among children with neurodevelopmental comorbidities.