A study released, by the American Academy of Dermatology, has discovered that eczema may be linked to many other medical conditions.

Eczema, medically referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a condition involving dry red patches on the skin, and at times it can be very itchy. It is often first seen in infancy or early childhood, however it can be discovered later on in one’s life. Data shows that atopic dermatitis affects roughly 25 percent of children in the United States. This condition can be very influential on an individual’s quality of life.

Current research shows that atopic dermatitis is also linked to many other health conditions. Patients with eczema have an increased risk for allergic conditions, such as: hay fever, food allergies, and asthma. They are also more likely to have obesity, cardiovascular disease, contract infections, and more commonly report mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression. The symptoms of eczema can also make it difficult to sleep, causing patients to wake up multiple times during the nigh due to itchy skin.

Findings suggest that eczema can be disruptive to overall general well-being and quality of life. Currently it is unclear why eczema is related to conditions such as obesity, and cardiovascular disease, however it is thought there may be an inflammatory component relating the two.

Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.