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Adult eczema associated with increased risk of injury

Researchers found a correlation between adult eczema and an increased risk of injury, particularly fracture and bone or joint injury.

Using the 2012 National Health Interview Survey to compose a prospective, questionnaire-based study, researchers assessed a nationally representative sample of 34,500 adults with a history of eczema during the previous 12 months. Study outcomes included history or facture and bone or joint (FBJI) and other injury that resulted in limitation.

Jonathan Silverberg

Eczema was present in 7.2% of the individuals studied, and any injury resulting in limitations was reported in 2%, according to the researchers.

FBJI causing limitation was reported among 1.5% of the participants, and other types of injury causing limitation were reported in 0.6%.

The researchers found adults with eczema had higher odds of any injury causing limitation, but especially FBJI. Additionally, adults with eczema and fatigue, daytime sleepiness or insomnia had increased rates of FBJI compared with those with sleep symptoms and no eczema.

Those with eczema and psychiatric and behavioral disorders had higher rates of FBJI compared with those with eczema or psychiatric and behavioral disorders alone, according to the researchers.

The researchers concluded that the chronic inflammation involved in adult eczema may predispose individuals to bone loss and an increased fracture risk.

Furthermore, chronic systemic — and potentially, topical — corticosteroid use may contribute to impaired bone mineral density and increased fracture risk, according to the researchers.

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.