Childhood eczema elevates risk of allergic asthma in later years

The researchers found that kids afflicted by the itchy skin condition along with hay fever were more prone to suffer from asthmatic problems in their 40’s than those who had been free from the disease.

Lead author of the study, Dr Pamela Martin a University of Melbourne doctoral student at the Murdoch Children Research Institute stated, "In this study we see that childhood eczema, particularly when hay fever also occurs, is a very strong predictor of who will suffer from allergic asthma in adult life.

"The implications of this study are that prevention and rigorous treatment of childhood eczema and hay fever may prevent the persistence and development of asthma.

Link between eczema, hay fever, and asthma examined
In order to determine the co-relation between eczema, hay fever, and adult asthma, the researchers conducted a clinical study.

They examined 1400 grown up participants from the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study (TAHS).

For the purpose of the study, the subjects were assessed about their childhood allergies and environment in 1968 at seven years of age. The volunteers were then tracked till 2004 when they touched 44.

The parents were asked whether as kids the participants had any eczema related with allergies that affects elbow, flexors and behind knees.

The analysis revealed that nearly 30 percent of allergic asthma among the study subjects was a result of eczema and hay fever they had in childhood.

Associate Professor Shyamali Dharmage, principal investigator of the TAHS from the University of Melbourne's School of Population Health stated, "If successful strategies to stop the 'atopic march' are identified, this could ultimately save lives and health care costs related to asthma management and treatment."

The study is published online in the 'Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.'

A little about eczema
Eczema is a skin problem that causes skin to become red, irritated, itchy, and sometimes swollen. It is also called dermatitis.

It is not dangerous, or contagious. There are many forms of eczema, but atopic dermatitis is the most common, and severe.

The exact cause is not known but factors like skin allergies, other diseases, and genetic make-up may play a role in its occurrence.

It is most common in babies, and children. Eczema cannot be cured, but can be prevented to some extent by avoiding irritants, stress, and other allergens.