The course of eczema in children aged 5-7 years and its relation to atopy: differences between boys and girls

BACKGROUND: The role of atopy in the pathophysiology of eczema is still under debate. The concept and analyses of the nonatopic and atopic subtypes of eczema have gained increasing interest in recent studies. The course of these subtypes and differences between boys and girls have not been investigated so far. OBJECTIVES: To examine the course of nonatopic and atopic eczema in preschool children from Germany with regard to sex. METHODS: Repeated cross-sectional studies were performed in 5-7-year-old preschool children from Germany between 1994 and 2000. Individuals with eczema were identified by a dermatological examination. In addition to a questionnaire, skin prick tests and analyses of serum IgE antibodies against seven and five environmental allergens, respectively, were performed. Atopy was defined by sensitization to at least one of five common aeroallergens (birch, grass and mugwort pollen, house dust mites, cat dander). In part of the study population investigations of spare time behaviour and skin function were carried out (including stratum corneum hydration and skin surface pH). RESULTS: A total of 2693 girls and 2783 boys underwent a full dermatological examination of the skin and determination of sensitization. Among the girls, 8.7% demonstrated eczema clinically at the day of investigation in contrast to 6.1% of the boys. In girls, early onset eczema (< 2 years of age) was strongly related to atopy at age 5-7 years [odds ratio (OR) 3.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7-5.1], whereas late-onset eczema (> or = 2 years of age) was not (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.7-1.5). Boys were more often atopic at the age of 5-7 years than girls (28.3% vs. 20.6%), and early and late-onset eczema were related to atopy without such a difference (OR 2.8, 95% CI 2.0-4.0; OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3-2.8, respectively). The excess of current eczema in 5-7-year-old girls compared with boys was related to the nonatopic type. The higher susceptibility of girls in that age group to develop eczema was reflected by the skin physiological examination: even girls without eczema had significantly higher skin surface pH and lower stratum corneum hydration than boys. Additionally, questionnaire data revealed that girls more often than boys predominantly played indoors, which was associated with more eczema. CONCLUSIONS: Atopy and eczema develop differently in boys and girls. Boys are more often atopic, whereas girls suffer significantly more often from eczema without relation to atopy. The nonatopic type of eczema in preschool girls is noticed predominantly after their second birthday. Genetic and lifestyle factors may contribute to this difference.     

The Prevalence, Characteristics of and Risk Factors for Eczema in Belgian Schoolchildren

Abstract:  Childhood eczema is common in infants, but its nature and extent during later childhood remains unclear. In this cross-sectional study we examined the prevalence and characteristics of eczema in an unbiased community population of 2,021 Belgian schoolchildren, aged 3.4 to 14.8 years with skin prick testing and parental questionnaires. Our study identified an eczema prevalence of 23.3% and a considerable allergic co-morbidity, mainly in sensitized children. The reported prevalence of eczema in infancy was 18.5% and for current eczema 11.6%. The overall sensitization rate (33.2%) as well as sensitization rates for the individual allergens were significantly higher in children with "eczema ever." Sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (19.6%), mixed grass pollen (15.1%), and cat (9.1%) were most common. Until the age of 6 years, boys with eczema were significantly more sensitized than girls (p = 0.007). Children with both eczema in infancy and current eczema show a tendency to be more sensitized than children with eczema in infancy only or current eczema only, but significance was only noted for a few individual allergens. Analysis of factors associated with eczema revealed a predominantly atopic profile characterized by family or personal history of allergy. Breastfeeding and environmental factors seemed to assume little relevance except for a protective effect of prematurity and having a dog at birth.     

Clinical characteristics and consequences of hand eczema - an 8-year follow-up study of a population-based twin cohort

Background:  Few population-based clinical follow-up studies on hand eczema are reported.
Objectives:  The aim of this study was to characterize clinical symptoms and to examine occupational and medical consequences as well as persistence of hand eczema in a population-based twin cohort.
Patients/Methods:  A total of 274 individuals with and without hand eczema were examined, patch tested, and interviewed in 1997–1998 and 2005–2006. Data on 188 individuals with hand eczema in 2005–2006 were analysed.
Results:  Erythema and scaling were the most frequent symptoms, and fingers and palms were most often affected. Mean hand eczema severity index score in individuals with clinical symptoms was 12.0. Sick leave was reported by 12.4%; job change by 8.5%. Being in the lowest socio-economic group and atopic dermatitis were risk factors for sick leave [odds ratio (OR) = 5.6; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.5–22.9 and OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.0–8.1]. The majority (63.4%) had seen a doctor at least once, and atopic dermatitis was a risk factor for more than 1 visit (OR = 3.0; 95% CI 1.4–6.4). Duration of >10 years was a risk factor for persistence of symptoms, which was reported by 67.7%.
Conclusions:  The clinical picture and consequences of hand eczema vary; however, the majority experience chronic symptoms.     

Hand eczema in geriatric nurses in Germany – prevalence and risk factors

Background and objectives:  The aim of this cross-sectional study was to collect data on the prevalence of hand eczema and relevant risk factors in geriatric nurses in Germany.
Methods:  1375 geriatric nurses from 86 nursing homes were investigated by 41 occupational physicians.
Results:  Hand eczema was diagnosed in 243 nurses, corresponding to a point prevalence of 18% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16–20%]. In most cases (71%), the skin changes were only mild. Two thirds of the geriatric nurses who reported skin changes stated that they had developed hand eczema after starting this profession. In most cases (85%), the clinical course was described as chronic. Risk factors associated with hand eczema were a lifelong tendency for dry skin [odds ratios (OR) 2.76; 95% CI 2.02–3.76] and a history of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.03–2.18). There was no association between the amount of wet work and hand eczema (OR 1.18; 95% CI 0.76–1.86).
Conclusions:  Our study indicates that it is necessary to provide geriatric nurses with specific skin care advice as part of their training. This might help to identify trainees at increased risk of developing eczema, encouraging the initiation of appropriate skin protection measures, thus preventing chronic disease.     

兰州市日均气温对两所三甲医院门诊湿疹人次的影响

目的 探讨兰州市日均气温对门诊湿疹人次的影响.方法 收集2007年1月1日至2015年12月31日兰州地区两所三甲医院皮肤科门诊湿疹患者的资料和同时期气象数据,在控制长期趋势、星期几效应的基础上,采用分布滞后非线性模型,通过quasi-Poisson连接函数进行拟合,并根据季节、性别和年龄分层后分析日均气温对湿疹门诊人次的影响.结果 日均气温与湿疹门诊人次的暴露-反应关系大致呈“W”型.按照季节、性别、年龄分层后,日均气温改变对湿疹门诊人次的影响主要以秋、冬季为重,夏季次之,春季最弱.低温对湿疹的影响可能存在滞后作用、累积作用及持续作用,即在-9℃、滞后14d时,RR值为1.12(95％ CI:1.03～ 1.22),达到最大,且温度每降低1℃,男性、青少年、中年人群湿疹发病的风险分别增加16％(RR:1.16,95％ CI:1.05～ 1.27)、14％(RR:1.14,95％ CI:1.02 ～ 1.26)及13％(RR:1.13,95％ CI:1.02～1.25),均有统计学意义(P＜0.05);而在女性及老年人群中,低温对湿疹的影响均不具有统计学意义(P＞ 0.05).高温的影响效应在暴露当天即已出现,随着滞后日的推移其影响效应渐减弱,但这种效应无统计学意义(P＞ 0.05).结论 在兰州地区日均气温对湿疹门诊人次的影响以秋、冬季为重,日均气温的改变可能为湿疹患者的危险因素之一,且低温对湿疹的影响存在滞后作用,滞后时间约为14d.     

Prevalence and risk factors for atopic dermatitis in preschool children

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common condition in infancy which usually disappears by 3 years of age in a significant proportion of children. The prognosis is mostly determined by severity and presence of atopic sensitization. OBJECTIVES: To investigate prevalence of AD, comorbidities and risk factors in a population of preschool children aged 3-5 years. METHODS: Children in kindergartens were evaluated. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood written questionnaire (WQ) was used, with additional questions on risk factors. Atopy was investigated by skin prick tests. RESULTS: One thousand, four hundred and two valid WQs (92% response rate) were returned for evaluation. The prevalence of AD symptoms in the last 12 months in the whole population was 18.1% (254 cases). Seventy-two per cent of these children presented AD-specific localizations. The prevalence of eczema as a doctor's diagnosis in the total population was 15.4%. Positive atopic sensitization was present in 18.6% of the total and in 32.2% of the AD study population, respectively. Multiple sensitivities were observed in 58.2% of sensitized children. The prevalence of sensitization demonstrated that the most common sensitizing allergens in children with AD were mites and grass pollen. Rhinitis symptoms and wheezing were present in 32.2% and 24.2%, respectively, of children with AD. Allergic sensitization to egg, cat, grass pollen and mites, as well as the presence of symptoms of rhinitis, and a positive family history of atopy were all significant risk factors for AD. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates a high prevalence of AD and a close relationship with rhinitis symptoms. Significant risk factors for AD were sensitization to food or inhalant allergens as well as parental history of atopy.     

The excess of atopic eczema in East Germany is related to the intrinsic type

BACKGROUND: Prevalence data for atopic eczema based on a dermatological examination have not so far been available for East and West Germany. Possible differences in the proportions of extrinsic and intrinsic types of eczema, and how far these could explain differences in the prevalence of eczema, need to be clarified. OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence of atopic eczema in pre-school children between different locations in East and West Germany, and over a period of 7 years, at three time points. Additionally, to determine the proportions of intrinsic and extrinsic types of eczema by taking skin prick test reactivity into account. METHODS: Repeated cross-sectional studies in 1991, 1994 and 1997 in 5-6-year-old pre-school children at five different locations in West Germany (n = 2075) and six in East Germany (n = 1926) were carried out. Individuals with eczema were identified by an examination performed by physicians of the Department of Dermatology. In addition, a skin prick test and a standardized questionnaire were used. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of atopic eczema in these children was 10.4%. At all three times of investigation (1991, 17.5% vs. 11.2%; 1994, 12.6% vs. 8.7%; 1997, 11.2% vs. 4.5%) and in the total group (12.9% vs. 8.2%), the prevalence was significantly higher in East than in West Germany. After controlling for influences of sex, parental history of atopic diseases, observer and socio-economic status in multiple logistic regression analyses, these differences remained significant for 1991, 1994 and for the overall group (odds ratio, OR 1.78, 95% confidence interval, CI 1. 43-2.21). Girls (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.27-1.92) and children whose parents had a higher level of school education (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1. 00-1.37) were affected more frequently. Of all children, 26.6%, and of those with eczema, 41.9% exhibited at least one reaction in the prick test (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.75-2.80; sensitization in eczema vs. no eczema). Whereas 50.4% of the children with eczema in West Germany were sensitized, only 36.5% of the diseased children in East Germany reacted positively in the prick test (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.12-2. 79). CONCLUSIONS: These results are in accordance with findings regarding allergic sensitization and hay fever and might indicate that factors other than allergy are responsible for the higher prevalence of atopic eczema in East Germany.     

Does age or gender influence quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis?

Background. Quality of life (QoL) is impaired in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) but the various aspects of QoL may not be equally affected. Aim. To evaluate if age and gender affect some aspects of QoL in children with AD. Method. The Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) was used for all children with AD seen at a paediatric dermatology clinic over a 3‐year period. Disease severity was assessed using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Nottingham Eczema Severity Score (NESS) tools. Results. We reviewed CDLQI in 133 children (70 male and 63 female; age range 5–16 years) with AD. Itch, sleep disturbance, treatment and swimming/sports were the four aspects of QoL issues that were most commonly affected, in 50%, 47%, 38% and 29% of patients, respectively. Problems with interpersonal issues (friendship, school/holidays, and teasing/bullying) occurred in only a minority of children (≤ 10%). Girls had more problems with issues of clothes and shoes than did boys (OR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.05–8.00; P = 0.038). Significant itch and sleep disturbance affected both genders similarly but were generally more common in children ≤ 10 years (itch: OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.04–5.14; P = 0.039; and sleep: OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.05–5.13; P = 0.037). Conclusions. Not all aspects of QoL are affected equally in children with AD. The disease seems to affect personal domains of itch and sleep more than the interpersonal issues. Age and gender are relevant factors in QoL, with the issue of clothes/shoes being more troublesome for girls. itch and sleep disturbance seem to be a problem mainly in younger children.     

The effect of environmental tobacco smoke on eczema and allergic sensitization in children

BACKGROUND: The negative impact of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on airway diseases in children is well known. Whether there is an effect on atopic eczema is not clear. OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of ETS on atopic eczema, allergic sensitization and allergic airway diseases in 1669 school beginners. METHODS: The prevalence of atopy-related health outcomes was assessed by questionnaire, dermatological examination, skin prick testing and specific immunoglobulin E measurement. Exposure assessments were based on measurement of cotinine [expressed as cotinine to creatine ratio (CCR)] in spot urine samples (n = 1220) together with questionnaire and interview data on smoking behaviour of the parents. RESULTS: In the total study group, prevalence of atopic eczema diagnosed on examination was significantly associated with urinary CCR values. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), calculated for an increase of 100 ng mg-1 CCR was 1.97 (95% CI 1.23-3.16). The prevalence of skin manifestations according to questionnaire data as well as a history of asthma, wheezing, and hay fever were positively although not significantly associated with ETS exposure. When genetically predisposed children (defined by the presence of parental atopy) were compared with children whose parents had no atopy, the ORs of allergic outcome variables were generally higher in the first group. In the group of predisposed children, significant associations with urinary CCR were found for allergic sensitization against house dust mites as measured by skin prick test (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.63-5.90). CONCLUSIONS: Children are at a higher risk of developing an atopic eczema when exposed to ETS and genetically predisposed children are at higher risk of developing a sensitization against house dust mites.     

A randomized,placebo-controlled,double-blind trial of ondansetron in renal itch

BACKGROUND: Renal itch is a relatively common and distressing problem for patients with chronic renal failure. Ondansetron, a serotonin type 3 receptor antagonist was developed for relief of chemotherapy induced nausea. Recently, anecdotal reports describe relief of renal itch with ondansetron. OBJECTIVES: We performed a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial to objectively assess the effectiveness of ondansetron in renal itch. PATIENTS AND METHODS: With approval from the local ethical committee, 24 patients on haemodialysis were enrolled in the trial. On a random basis 14 patients were blindly allocated to the ondansetron-placebo sequence and 10 to the placebo-ondansetron sequence. Baseline values for itch were obtained for 7 days before the treatment period and there was a 7-day washout between the treatment periods. During the treatment patients received either 8 mg of ondansetron three times a day or a placebo tablet three times a day for 2 weeks. Patients were asked to record the severity of their pruritus on a visual analogue scale (VAS) twice a day. At the end of the study patients were asked blindly which treatment they had preferred. RESULTS: Seventeen patients completed the trial. Pruritus decreased by 16% (95% CI: 0.5-32%) during active treatment and by 25% (95% CI: 9-41%) during treatment with placebo. The change in VAS scores during treatment with ondansetron (P = 0.04) and placebo (P = 0.01) were both significant. Eleven patients expressed a preference, seven for placebo and four for ondansetron. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that ondansetron is no better than placebo in controlling renal itch.     

Use of protective gloves by hairdressers: A review of efficacy and potential adverse effects

Occupational hand eczema is common among hairdressers, and protective gloves are important in limiting exposure to irritants and allergens. Various glove types may differ in their protective ability, and their use may lead to hand eczema due to skin irritancy and allergy. MEDLINE was searched for studies investigating permeation of gloves to irritants and allergens used in the hairdressing trade, as well as adverse effects of glove use affecting hairdressers. Forty-four studies were identified; nine reported on permeation. Of those, two in vitro studies found nitrile rubber (NR) gloves to give the best protection when handling hair dyes. Polyethylene (PE) gloves had the lowest reported break-through time. The prevalence of sensitization to rubber materials in European hairdressers was as follows: thiuram mix, median 2.5% (range 0%-8.2%), weighted average 3.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0%-3.1%); mercapto mix, median 0.4% (range 0%-3.3%), weighted average 0.5% (95% CI 0.47%-0.50%), mercaptobenzothiazole, median 0.6% (range 0%-6.6%), weighted average 0.7% (95% CI 0.6%-0.7%), NRL-type I allergy, median 1.3% (range 1%-16.4%), weighted average 4.0% (95% CI 3.6%-4.5%). In conclusion, NR gloves provide the best skin protection for hairdressers, although natural rubber latex (NRL) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) gloves may be sufficient in most cases. PE gloves are not recommended. Synthetic rubber gloves with low or no levels of accelerators are preferred.     

Eczema severity in preadolescent children and its relation to sex,filaggrin mutations,asthma, rhinitis,aggravating factors and topical treatment: a report from the BAMSE birth cohort

Background Filaggrin (FLG) mutations are major genetic determinants for eczema, but their role in eczema severity needs further investigation. Children with eczema are at higher risk of having asthma and rhinitis but it is not known if this risk is associated with the severity of eczema. Objectives To investigate eczema severity in relation to sex, FLG mutations, asthma, rhinitis and topical treatment among preadolescent children in a population‐based cohort. Methods Parental questionnaires were used to obtain data on symptoms of eczema, asthma, and rhinitis among 3301 preadolescent children. Eczema severity was evaluated based on sleep disturbance, extent of disease and total time with eczema the previous year. Genotyping was performed in 1854 individuals for three common FLG mutations (R501X, R2447X and 2282del4). Results Eczema was more prevalent among girls (14·5%) than boys (9·4%). FLG mutations were detected in 13·1% of children with mild eczema and 12·5% with moderate‐to‐severe eczema. Of children with moderate‐to‐severe eczema, 45·1% had rhinitis and 22·0% had asthma compared with 32·7% and 13·8% of children with mild eczema, respectively. Children with moderate‐to‐severe eczema used moisturizers and topical glucocorticoids more frequently than children with mild eczema. Boys used moisturizers less frequently than girls. Conclusions More preadolescent girls than boys had eczema. FLG mutations did not influence eczema severity in our population‐based cohort. Prevalence of rhinitis and asthma was associated with eczema severity, with the highest prevalence among boys with moderate‐to‐severe eczema.     

Perinatal exposure to endotoxin and the development of eczema during the first 6 years of life

Background. Previous studies have reported a protective association between high levels of exposure to endotoxin during infancy and the development of subsequent eczema within the first 6 months of life. Aim. To investigate the association between exposure in infancy to endotoxin from mattress dust and the development of eczema up to age of 6 years in 2166 children participating in the German Influences of Lifestyle‐Related Factors on the Immune System and the Development of Allergies in Childhood (LISA) study, an ongoing population‐based birth‐cohort study. Methods. Endotoxin levels in house dust samples collected at 3 months after birth were quantified using the kinetic Limulus amebocyte lysate assay. Specific IgE antibodies to common food and aeroallergens were measured using radioallergosorbent test, fluorenzyme immunoassay (Pharmacia CAP system) when children were 2 and 6 years old. Information on eczema symptoms and physician‐diagnosed eczema were collected at each follow‐up using a questionnaire. Results. No association was found between endotoxin exposure from mattresses (the mattresses of each child and their parents were examined) during infancy and the development of eczema symptoms or doctor‐diagnosed eczema by 6 years of age (OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.5–2.3, and OR = 1.1, 95% CI 0.4–3.3, respectively). No association was found when children with only atopic eczema. Conclusion. Endotoxin exposure during infancy is unlikely to have a large long‐term effect on the development of eczema, especially the atopic form.     

Factors Associated with Infantile Eczema in Hangzhou,China

Abstract: The removal of aggravating factors is important to reduce the severity of infantile eczema, but there are few studies on the assessment and identification of the aggravating factors in infantile eczema. Parents of children with infantile eczema ages 1 to 10 months (N = 250) were recruited. Parents were required to complete a questionnaire. Two hundred forty‐two (96.8%) children had skin dryness, 80% bathed with soap or shower gel, 82% often perspired, 84.8% wore tight‐fitting clothes, 80.8% dressed in five layers of thick clothing, 85.6% were in contact with wool or feathers, and 59.2% were exposed to sunlight (>20 minutes/day). Eczema severity was greater after vaccination in 20%. Two hundred thirty‐five mothers avoided eating potential food allergens (e.g., milk, egg whites, and fish), but this failed to improve the severity of symptoms in 93.6% of the children. Thirty patients had Neocate as a substitute for cow’s milk, which resulted in symptom severity improvement in 10%. Thirty children were given food allergens, which exacerbated symptoms in 13.3%. One hundred twenty‐eight (51.2%) of the children were treated with corticosteroid ointment; 62.5% had the ointment applied for only 2 to 3 days, and 6.2% had the corticosteroid ointment applied to weeping lesions. The vast majority of parents did not know about the aggravating factors for infantile eczema. The results demonstrated a strong need for educational programs to help parents understand and control infantile eczema.     

Is high mole count a marker of more than melanoma risk? Eczema diagnosis is associated with melanocytic nevi in children

BACKGROUND: The number of melanocytic nevi is the best single marker of increased melanoma risk. In a previous study, adults with severe eczema were reported to have significantly fewer nevi than adults without eczema. OBSERVATIONS: In a nested case-control design within a randomized, controlled interventional trial of additional sun protection vs standard care in 269 children, a history of eczema was reported by the parents of 44 (16%) of the children. More nevi were found in children with a parental report of previous eczema diagnosis than in children without reported eczema (median, 7.5 nevi vs 5.0 nevi; P =.01). Eczema diagnosis was most significantly associated with more melanocytic nevi in children with lightly pigmented skin (8.5 nevi vs 6.0 nevi; P <.001). In multivariate logistical regression analysis, including assessment of hair color, sun protection practices, and study assignment (intervention vs standard care), eczema status remained significantly predictive of nevi number in children (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to a previous study that associated severe eczema with fewer nevi in adults, in the present study children with a reported history of eczema had more nevi than children without a reported history of eczema.     

Fifteen-year follow-up of hand eczema: persistence and consequences

BACKGROUND: Hand eczema is a skin disease often with a long-lasting and relapsing course. The long-term prognosis in the general population is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aims were to examine the extent to which hand eczema had persisted and the medicosocial consequences of the disease. METHODS: In a 15-year follow-up of hand eczema, patients diagnosed in a previous population-based study were sent a questionnaire with 20 questions concerning the persistence and course of the disease, and its occupational and medicosocial consequences. RESULTS: Addresses were available for 1115 persons, of whom 868 answered the questionnaire. Sixty-six per cent of the respondents reported periods of hand eczema and 44% reported symptoms during the previous year, with no sex difference. Twelve per cent reported continuous eczema. However, 74% of those reporting symptoms considered that their hand eczema had improved; of these more were women than men (78% vs. 66%, P < 0.01). Twenty people, 3% of those who were gainfully employed in 1983, reported a change to another occupation because of their hand eczema, 15 of these reporting improvement after the job change. A considerable need for medical consultation was reported, as was the influence on psychosocial functions among those who had eczema the previous year, e.g. sleep disturbances (36%) and hampered leisure activities (72%). Job changes related to hand eczema and psychosocial impairment were also reported by individuals who had not sought medical help for their hand eczema. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a variable and poor long-term prognosis for hand eczema in the general population. One-third sought medical care during follow-up, while the vast majority with ongoing hand eczema experienced negative psychosocial consequences. For about 5%, the hand eczema gave far-reaching consequences including long sick-leave periods, sick pension and changes of occupation.     

Itch, pain, and burning sensation are common symptoms in mild to moderate chronic venous insufficiency with an impact on quality of life

To our knowledge there are no studies evaluating the prevalence and characteristics of itch, pain, and burning sensation among patients with mild to moderate chronic venous insufficiency or assessing the impact of these symptoms on quality of life. In this report 100 patients met the inclusion criteria. Patients who suffered from itch were also assessed with the use of a validated questionnaire and a modified Skindex-16 questionnaire. We found that the prevalence of itch was 66%. Concomitant itch and burning sensation as well as itch and pain were noted in 47% and 44% of the patients, respectively. No correlation was noted between the severity of these symptoms and the degree of venous insufficiency. Itch had a negative impact on quality of life. A limitation of this study is that the participants, who were primarily hospital employees, are more likely to develop these symptoms. Therefore this study does not reflect the true prevalence of these symptoms in the general population. This study found that itch, pain, and burning sensation are common symptoms of mild to moderate chronic venous insufficiency with a significant impact on quality of life.     

Impact of acute stress on itch sensation and scratching behaviour in patients with atopic dermatitis and healthy controls

Patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema) often report that stress is a major factor to worsen their itchy skin. This study investigated the effects of acute stress on itch, urge to scratch, and scratching behavior in subjects with atopic dermatitis compared to healthy controls. Stress was created in a standardized way using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), where subjects were asked to perform a public speaking task and mental arithmetic. In a second control visit, instead of being stressed, subjects watched a non-stressful video of landscape scenes. Both subjects with atopic dermatitis and healthy subjects reported feeling stressed after the TSST. Interestingly, atopic dermatitis subjects who were more sensitive to stress also had higher eczema severity. Before and after the TSST or landscape video, cowhage (a plant that causes itch) was applied to the arm of each subject. Patients with atopic dermatitis reported less itch from cowhage and less urge to scratch after they had been stressed by the TSST. However, despite reporting less itch, they actually scratched their limbs significantly more when they were stressed. Healthy individuals did not have any difference in itch, urge to scratch, or scratching behavior in the stressful condition compared to the control landscape video condition. This study shows that acute stress can affect itch and scratching differently in chronic itch patients compared to healthy individuals. Stress led to more scratching in those with atopic dermatitis. Over time, this response to stress could lead to increased skin damage from scratching and therefore worse eczema and itch.     

Environmental associations with eczema in early life

BACKGROUND: Although atopic eczema (AE) is a common disease, little is known about its causes. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of dietary and environmental factors associated with the development of AE by the age of 2 years. METHODS: A cohort of children was recruited before birth from a consecutive series of newly pregnant mothers presenting for antenatal care at three general practices in Ashford, Kent, U.K. Data up to the age of 2 years were available for 624 (97%) of the original cohort. AE was defined using components of the U.K. diagnostic criteria for AE, maternal report of doctor-diagnosed eczema and maternally reported eczema. Exposures of interest were family history of allergic disease, dietary and breastfeeding patterns, family size and exposure to indoor domestic allergens. RESULTS: The cumulative prevalence of AE using the U.K. diagnostic criteria was 14% (95% confidence interval, CI 11-17%). The prevalence of maternally reported doctor-diagnosed eczema was much higher (31%, 95% CI 27-35%) and almost half (45%) the mothers reported that their child had ever had eczema (95% CI 41-49%). The relationship between parental atopy, parental history of allergic disease and the child's eczema was consistently stronger for the mothers than the fathers. There was a marked increase in the prevalence of eczema with increasing maternal education and in less crowded homes, associations that remained significant after controlling for other factors. CONCLUSIONS: The associations with environmental factors are consistent with the hypothesis that more crowded houses, increased family size and birth order, which may possibly increase early exposure to infections, may offer protection from subsequent development of eczema.