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01.24.2008 | 12:01:18 am | Posted by mummums
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist
Most health experts know environmental factors, from pollens to pollution, can have an impact on the health of a child. New research documenting the cases of eczema across the globe found that the environment is having a significant impact on the prevalence of the condition.
A team of allergy experts from across the globe initiated the study seeking to pinpoint an explanation for the rise in childhood eczema. Looking at eczema symptoms in half a million children aged 6-7 and 13-14 in over 90 countries; researchers discovered that environmental factors are the key to the expression of eczema. The reason the study focused on these particular age groups is that eczema typically appears in a child by age 5 if they are genetically predisposed. In addition, childhood eczema is often alleviated by a chlid's teenage years. The sample groups in the study represent a time in a child's life when eczema is current as well as when symtoms should have been alleviated.
Scientists believe the propensity towards developing eczema is largely inherited. When a child is predisposed to eczema, environmental factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. Environmental factors include excessive heat or cold, pollen, mold, dust, tobacco smoke, animal dander, and pollution. Researchers claim genes alone are not to blame since it is unlikely genetics would change in such a short period of time. This means certain aspects of a child’s environment are to blame for the drastic increase in eczema.
The study revealed some good news, and some bad news. The bad news is that eczema in 6 to 7 year olds keeps increasing, especially in developing countries. The good news is the number of cases seems to be leveling off for 13 to 14 year olds in countries where eczema was predominate such as New Zealand and the UK.
Approximately 1 in 10 children develop eczema, and the term refers to a variety of skin conditions. Eczema symptoms include dry, scaly, or red skin often combined with itching. In some cases blister-like bumps can appear that may ooze fluid. Children most often show symptoms of eczema before the age of 5, but usually outgrow the condition by their teenage years. Typically, children with eczema often have allergies as well. Eczema is not an allergy, but allergies can cause eczema. Although you cannot change your genes, you can help avoid eczema flare-ups by avoiding and or treating allergens. Many cases of eczema are directly related to food allergies, including celiac disease, and by avoiding allergenic foods you can reduce flare ups. Be sure to discuss all treatment options with your physician.
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The Baby Mum-Mum blog discusses everything to do with babies and parenting with
a focus on child health and child development. Baby Mum-Mum is a healthy, easy
to digest baby rice snack that is enjoyed by babies and mothers around the
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