According to a new study, eczema--an inflammatory skin reaction in early childhood--may have the potential to influence the mental health, and behavior of children in later years.

The researchers also found that kids afflicted by the itchy skin condition during the first two years of life were more prone to exhibit psychological abnormalities, particularly emotional problems at age 10 as opposed to children of the same age who had been free from the disease.

Lead author of the study, Dr Joachim Heinrich of Helmholtz Zentrum München, the German Research Centre for Environmental Health stated, “This indicates that eczema can precede and lead to behavioral and psychological problems in children.”

Data of 5,991 children assessed
In an effort to determine the co-relation between eczema, and mental health among children, German researchers examined 5,991 kids born between 1995 and 1998.

They scrutinized their family history, and collected information about their daily routine, physical health, and emotional well-being at 10 years.

Additionally, they enquired about childhood diseases with special emphasis on ailments like eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis, stress tolerance, and behavioral abnormalities.

Findings of the study
The researchers noted that children whose eczema had not cleared within the first two years were more vulnerable to mental health problems in later years as compared to those who had the skin condition only as infants.

Children troubled by the dry, and itchy skin disorder also suffer from side effects of the disease such as hay fever, asthma, and sleep disorders which may lead to psychological problems later on.

“We suspect that it is mainly the secondary symptoms that have a long-term effect on the emotions of the affected children,” Dr Heinrich said.

According to the researchers, it is imperative to document the occurrence of eczema in the medical records of the kids because of the risk of psychological problems associated with the condition in later years.

This information was vital irrespective of the disease actually disappearing during the course of childhood.

Details of the study are published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

A little about eczema
Eczema is a skin problem that causes skin to become red, irritated, itchy, and sometimes swollen. It is also called dermatitis.

It is not dangerous, or contagious. There are many forms of eczema, but atopic dermatitis is the most common, and severe.

The exact cause is not known but factors like skin allergies, other diseases, and genetic make-up may play a role in its occurrence.

It is most common in babies, and children. Eczema cannot be cured, but you can prevent some types by avoiding irritants, stress, and the things you are allergic to.