Antibiotics could increase eczema risk

The use of antibiotics could increase the risk of developing eczema by up to 40%, claims a recent study in the British Journal of Dermatology.

A research team,  from Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Nottingham, King’s College London, and the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, conducted an investigation on the link between prenatal/first year of life antibiotic exposure and development of eczema. The team also determined whether the number of antibiotic courses affects the chance of contracting the disease.

Data from 20 separate studies on children and young adults aged up to 25 was analysed. The findings revealed that infants are more likely to develop eczema if they were administered antibiotics within the first year of life.

Dr Teresa Tsakok, one of the study authors, explained, “One potential explanation is that broad-spectrum antibiotics alter the gut microflora and that this in turn affects the maturing immune system in a way that promotes allergic disease development."

Dr Carsten Flohr, the head of the study, commented, “"A better understanding of the complex relationship between antibiotic use and allergic disease is a priority for clinicians and health policymakers alike. Determination of a true link between antibiotic use and eczema would have far-reaching clinical and public health implications."

Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists stated: “Eczema is our most common skin disease, affecting one in every five children in the UK at some stage and causing a significant burden to the patient and the health service. Allergic diseases including eczema have increased over past decades, particularly for children in high income countries, but the causes for this are not fully understood. The evidence is not conclusive and the researchers are not suggesting that parents should withhold antibiotics from children when doctors feel such treatment is necessary, but studies like this give an insight into possible avoidable causes and may help to guide medical practice.”

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