What is the risk of my eczema child developing asthma and hay fever?

Eczema is commonly associated with hay fever, food allergies and asthma. Children who have eczema are more likely to suffer from asthma and hay fever because they are all connected in a group of diseases called the Atopic Triad . This refers to the genetic chance of your child having other conditions as well as eczema. Generally eczema is the condition diagnosed first as part of the atopic triad, then hay fever and asthma. Although there is no cure for these conditions, it is still important to maintain an eczema management plan that involves hydrating the skin with bath soaks and eczema moisturiser. 

What is the link between eczema and asthma?

According to research, around 50-70% of children with eczema eventually develop asthma and both are associated with allergies and hay fever. Inflammation occurs in both and with asthma the inflammation happens in the lungs, and eczema on the skin. Researchers have discovered the gene that produces a protein that stops the skin becoming dry (filaggrin) isn’t effective in children who have eczema. Lack of filaggrin may also lead to foreign bodies entering your child’s lungs and result in asthma.

We do not know the exact cause of either of these conditions but we know that genetics play a part, so if you have a history of allergies, hay fever and asthma, there is a greater chance for your little one to develop eczema.

Studies also showed that:

• Up to 80% of kids with eczema get hay fever or asthma later in childhood.
• Approximately 35% of adults with asthma have had eczema when they were kids
• Around 37% of kids with moderate to severe eczema, also have food allergies.

What is the link between eczema and hayfever?

Recent research suggests that a lack of filaggrin also increases the chance of experiencing hay fever. Children with eczema may have a defect in their skin barrier and these small gaps make the skin dry out quickly, allowing germs and allergens to enter the body, resulting in inflammation. If this inflammation reaches the lining of your child’s nose, it will cause a runny nose, resulting in hay fever. Histamine is also released as a result of pathogens entering the body, causing a stuffy nose, sneezing and increasing the risk of hay fever.

Another important reason to manage your child’s eczema

It is important to always remember to stick to your little one’s regular skincare routine because it provides a protective barrier from allergens and keeps moisture from escaping. This helps to lessen the risk of irritants entering the air passages of the lungs, which can result in asthma or hay fever.

This blog post was brought to you and your family with love from Julia and the itchy baby co. team x.

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.