Eczema patches irritate the skin of patients. This chronic disease also has an impact on the cardiovascular health of patients: it increases the risk of diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
Red and itchy patches, itching … Eczema is a skin disease that also affects the well-being of those who are affected. According to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, it disrupts daily life to the point of promoting unhealthy practices, such as smoking, alcohol consumption or inactivity.
Worse seizures after sport
Dr. Jonathan Silverberg, lead author of this study, reviewed data from more than 60,000 adult Americans (18-85 years old) surveyed in 2010 or 2012. Among them, respondents with eczema are at higher risk of smoking, drinking or being morbidly obese (52%) than others.
“This disease has an immense emotional impact on those who have it, as with chronic pain. Because eczema often begins in early childhood, patients are affected throughout their development and throughout adolescence, ”says Dr. Jonathan Silverberg, lead author and researcher. “It disrupts their self-esteem and their identity. That’s part of why we see all of these bad behaviors. “
Eczema has an indirect impact on the health of patients. In addition to adopting unhealthy behaviors, they reduce their physical activity. Indeed, perspiration and heat tend to worsen the attacks. Patients “will avoid anything that triggers the itch.” They report that their eczema gets worse during exercise, ”explains Jonathan Silverberg.
93% increased risk of prediabetes
Smoking, alcohol consumption and physical inactivity combined, the cardiovascular health of people with eczema turns red. The disease is associated with an increased risk of arterial hypertension of 48%. The researchers also report a 93% increase in the risk of prediabetes and 42% of diabetes. The likelihood of developing high cholesterol levels also increases by 36%.
“It opens the eyes of the world of dermatology to the fact that we are not only treating chronic inflammation of the skin, but also its behavioral aspect and its impact on lifestyle,” concludes Jonathan Silverberg. “Dermatologists must ask their patients about their lifestyle habits, such as smoking or physical activity, in order to offer solutions. The study authors are working with Northwestern University’s exercise department to develop exercise that improves patients’ cardiovascular health without affecting eczema attacks.
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