The German Atopic Dermatitis Intervention Study (GADIS), which includes 823 children and adolescents, showed that age-related educational programmes are effective in the long-term management of atopic dermatitis. We investigated whether the itch severity obtained in the scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) correlates with quality of life and coping behaviour in children and parents. There were significant but low correlations between the severity of atopic dermatitis and the itch intensity. Itch and sleeplessness were significantly correlated. Significant correlations of itch with the coping behaviour and quality of life in parents of children with atopic dermatitis were measured. The coping and itching behaviour of children (8-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years) had higher significant correlations with the itch compared with the parents' answers. Quality of life in children (8-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years) showed a significant negative correlation with itch intensity. Quality of life, itch intensity and coping strategies should be considered when treating patients with atopic dermatitis.