Bullying in Children With Congenital Ichthyosis

Bullying of children with chronic disorders is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, poor self-esteem, and suicidal ideation. Congenital ichthyoses are genodermatoses with extensive visible scaling and inflammation. Bullying is a frequent concern of families with ichthyosis but is rarely discussed or investigated.

Bullying experience and the impact on children with ichthyosis and their caregivers were investigated utilizing survey methodology and validated questionnaires. Correlations were explored between demographic and ichthyosis characteristics, bullying exposure (Child Adolescent Bullying Scale-9), child and caregiver psychosocial functioning (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System tools), and family quality of life (Family Dermatology Life Quality Index).

Overall, 49 dyads completed the survey, with a mean child age of 12 years, 43% female, and 35% non-white. Lamellar (27%), epidermolytic (16%), and with confetti (12%) ichthyosis subtypes were most common. Child-reported bullying exposure correlated strongly with poor peer relationships (r = -0.63) and moderately with stigma (r = 0.53). Caregiver depression and anxiety scores were moderately correlated with caregiver's perception of child's bullying (r = 0.46 and r = 0.52, respectively). Poor family quality of life (QoL) was moderately correlated with proxy severity, caregiver depression and anxiety, poor peer relationships, and poor mobility.

Recognition of bullying and its potential impact on QoL is an important component of exploring the psychosocial impact of ichthyosis and providing holistic care.