The problems associated with eczema are more than skin deep.
The itchy, scaly skin condition raises the risk of heart disease and other serious illnesses, a new study from Northwestern University finds.
Adults who have eczema are more likely to smoke, drink, be overweight, and develop insomnia. In addition, they are less likely to exercise because sweating often causes disease flare-ups, researchers said.
Eczema raises the risk of morbid obesity by 54 percent, high blood pressure by 48 percent, high cholesterol by 36 percent, and diabetes by 42 percent, the study found. These conditions all culminate to give eczema sufferers a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, according to researchers.
"This disease takes a huge emotional toll on its sufferers, like chronic pain," said lead study author Dr. Jonathan Silverberg. "Because eczema often starts in early childhood, people are affected all through their developmental years and adolescence. It hurts their self-esteem and identity. That's part of why we see all these negative behaviors."
Dermatologists should offer their eczema patients help in quitting smoking and drinking, Dr. Silverberg added.
An estimated 31.6 million Americans, or 10 percent of the population, have eczema.
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