EczemaNet Spotlight Article
Atopic Dermatitis: More Susceptible to Other Medical Conditions

Having atopic dermatitis (AD), especially a severe case, increases the risk of developing these medical conditions:

• Asthma. About 50% also develop asthma.
   

• Hay fever. Approximately 66% eventually develop hay fever.
   

• Skin infections. The skin of a person with AD is particularly susceptible to dryness. Very dry skin coupled with the damage caused by scratching, puts such individuals at risk for bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
   

• Irritant contact dermatitis. Adults with AD are predisposed to irritant contact dermatitis, a type of eczema that develops when everyday things — from wool to detergent — irritate the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin.
   

• Hand eczema/xerosis. An infant who develops AD has a greater than normal risk of developing dry skin (xerosis) or hand eczema later in life.
   

• Anxiety and depression. Studies show that living with AD leads to a higher-than-average risk of developing these conditions.

Reference:
The Lewin Group (prepared for the Society for Investigative Dermatology and the American Academy of Dermatology Association). “The Burden of Skin Diseases”. 2004. p. 40-41.

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