Severe eczema can impact growth in children - study

A recent study from Trinity College Dublin reveals that severe eczema can negatively impact children's growth. The research, led by Professor Alan Irvine, found that children with severe eczema are shorter in height and have lower growth rates compared to their peers without the condition. Severe eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition affecting one in five children in Ireland.

It is characterized by itchy and painful rashes, which can significantly affect a child's quality of life. Beyond the visible symptoms, severe eczema can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to other health issues like food allergies and asthma. The inflammation caused by eczema itself may contribute to growth problems in children. In their study, Professor Irvine and his team treated a group of children with eczema and found that effective treatment could help them catch up on their growth.

The treatment, which was initially blind to researchers and participants, led to a remarkable improvement in growth within just sixteen weeks. The positive effects persisted even after a full year, and children who switched from a placebo to the treatment also showed significant gains in height. Boys tended to respond better to the treatment than girls, as they have more years of growth potential.

While the study showed promising results, it also highlighted minor side effects such as red, itchy eyes and joint stiffness. The researchers suggest that there are two main theories explaining why eczema affects growth in children. One theory posits that the inflammation caused by eczema consumes a significant amount of calories that growing children need for development.

The other theory suggests that the condition disrupts sleep, which is crucial for growth during the night. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for parents and healthcare providers, emphasizing the importance of considering effective treatment options for children with severe eczema.