Eczema is a multifactorial skin disease that affects 20% of children worldwide and has a complex relationship with microbial, nutritional, parental and environmental factors. 

A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health investigated the potential association of eczema with the gut microbiome and environmental factors.

This pilot study enrolled 152 newborn subjects and their mothers within 10 days postnatally, in Hong Kong, China, who completed questionnaires on allergies, maternal diet and environmental assessment. Here, participants were classified as with or without eczema –at four months after birth, based on the Comprehensive Early Childhood Allergy Questionnaire (CECAQ) and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. Stool samples were collected; microbial DNA was extracted from each stool sample and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to analyze the gut microbiome profiles.

The findings depicted the abundance of Bifidobacterium, which was higher in the eczema group. The fathers education level and maternal intake of cereals and nutritional supplements during pregnancy were associated with the development of eczema. 

In inference, it was stated that this study provided preliminary information about the potential risk factors of eczema development in this pediatric cohort.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020 Oct20;17(20):7634.doi: 10.3390/ijerph17207634.