Atopic Dermatitis and Self-Image Design: A Real-Life Study in Children Using Drawings

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) induces alterations of external appearance and self-esteem, with impact on the personal development of the children. However, tools for estimating such suffering are lacking. We aimed to assess how children with AD represent themselves through their drawings. Methods: In this retrospective study, we included children (<18 years) suffering from AD who followed the instruction "draw yourself with and without eczema" at the end of a routine follow-up consultation. Drawings were interpreted with the child and then classified in different analysis groups by 5 independent evaluators. Results: A total of 64 children (41 [64.1%] girls and 23 [35.9%] boys, median [range] age 8 [3-7] years) made 64 drawings. Five groups of drawing were identified: "amputee" (n = 8, 12.5%), "identical" (n = 18, 28.1%), "sad" (n = 19, 29.7%), "complex" (n = 11, 17.2%), and "other" (n = 8, 12.5%). Univariate analysis found that age was differently distributed among the different drawing groups (P = 0.0047), as was the predominance of light colors (P = 0.038). The distribution of the other variables (gender, investigator global assessment score, active AD, and duration of activity) was not different among drawing groups. Conclusions: The drawing allows a majority of the AD children to express their self-image with and without eczema, as well as their feelings and their interactions with the environment and with their entourage. The visual tool proposed herein could be used during consultations, to (a) become aware of the need to treat AD, (b) better evaluate the impact of AD burden in childhood, and (c) adjust appropriately AD treatment.