- About 223 million people globally have atopic dermatitis, with 43 million children ages 1 to 4.
- About 60% of all people with eczema will develop it in the first year of life.
- Researchers from National Jewish Health have discovered specific biomarkers on the skin that can predict whether a baby will develop eczema.
In 2022, there were an estimated 223 million people around the world living with the skin condition eczema, clinically known as atopic dermatitis.
Of that number, 43 million were children between the ages of 1 and 4.
About 60% of people who have atopic dermatitis — for which there is currently no cure — develop it as a baby during their first year of life.
Now, researchers from National Jewish Health have discovered specific biomarkers on the skin that can predict whether a baby will develop eczema months before the onset of illness.
Scientists say this finding will help in the development of targeted therapies for the condition.
Their study was recently published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition.
A number of factors contribute to the development and exacerbation of eczema, including:
General symptoms of eczema — usually known as flare-ups — include:
In babies, atopic dermatitis normally begins with very dry, itchy skin on the scalp and cheeks.
As a child gets older, eczema symptoms may form in a number of places in the body, including:
- the outside of or creases of the knees and elbows
- other areas of the face, including around the mouth
- hands and/or feet
- wrists and/or ankles
- outside of the ears
Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by a variety of things, including:
There is currently no cure for atopic dermatitis.
Doctors treat the condition through medications, including topical corticosteroids and antihistamines.
A doctor may also suggest
According to Dr. Donald Leung, the division head of Pediatric Allergy and Clinical Immunology at National Jewish…
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