Antibiotic Use in Babies Ups Risk of Eczema by 40 Percent

Children who are given antibiotics during first year of life are at a 40 percent higher risk of developing eczema later, new study reported recently.

Eczema is a common term for different types of swellings in the skin. The condition isn't dangerous, but causes red and itchy skin. In some people, eczema can be avoided by reducing stress or exposure to irritants.

For the study, researchers from King's College, London analyzed data from 20 studies that looked into the possible link between antibiotic exposure during the first year of life and risk of developing eczema.

The study found that children exposed to antibiotics are more prone to developing eczema in later stages of life. Also, every additional course of antibiotics increased the baby's risk of developing eczema by 7 percent.

There was, however, no association between prenatal exposure to antibiotics and eczema risk. The study only shows a co-relation and not causation.

Experts aren't sure about how antibiotics increase eczema risk, but say that it might be linked to change in the immune system of children.

"One potential explanation is that broad-spectrum antibiotics alter the gut microflora and that this in turn affects the maturing immune system in a way that promotes allergic disease development," said Dr Teresa Tsakok of Guy's and St Thomas', one of the study authors.

According to nhs.uk, the other potential reasons for some children developing eczema could be socioeconomic factors, history of allergies in either parent or environmental factors.

Note that the study only explores one of the many reasons that can lead to eczema and parents shouldn't stop giving prescribed antibiotics to their children.

"The evidence is not conclusive and the researchers are not suggesting that parents should withhold antibiotics from children when doctors feel such treatment is necessary, but studies like this give an insight into possible avoidable causes and may help to guide medical practice," said Nina Goad of the British Association of Dermatologists in a news release.

The scientists also added that further research is needed to find the age at which children are more likely to develop eczema when exposed to antibiotics.

The study was published in the British Journal of Dermatology.