Eczema sufferers more prone to bone ailments
Doctors at the Northwestern University in Chicago have found that people with eczema are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis and fractures.
Eczema is a skin condition of itchy skin (which is often red and swollen).
“There are a number of reasons why people with eczema may be at higher risk for osteoporosis,” Dr. Jonathan I. Silverberg of the departments of dermatology, preventive medicine and medical social sciences at the university, said.
“It may be that chronic inflammation occurring in eczema may directly impact upon bone mineral density,” Silverberg added.
Silverberg and his colleague Dr Nitin K, Gang found the correlation after analysing the 2005-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The analysis found out that 7% of the 5, 000 people surveyed in the study had eczema, while a third of them had a bone fracture.
Osteoporosis is a major health issue in the US and is often underdiagnosed. It particularly poses a burden on the aging population. Women over 55 are more likely to be hospitalised due to bone fractures from osteoporosis.
Category: Features, Health alert
