Allergies affect around 30 percent of children in Scotland, with atopic eczema being one of the most common conditions. This chronic skin disorder causes itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. While eczema is not contagious and can impact people of all ages, it significantly affects a child’s physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.
Though there are treatments to manage the symptoms, eczema remains an incurable condition. Now, a recent study offers some hopeful news for families with pets. According to the research, children genetically predisposed to eczema may have a lower chance of developing the condition if exposed to a dog during early childhood.
The study, led by scientists from the UK, discovered that children who carry a genetic mutation linked to an increased risk of eczema were less likely to develop the condition if they grew up in homes with dogs. This finding adds a new layer to the understanding of how environmental factors might influence the onset of eczema.
Professor Sara Brown, from the Institute of Genetics and Cancer, noted that one of the most frequent questions parents ask is why their child has eczema and what they can do to prevent or manage it. While the study’s findings are promising, experts stress the need for further research to better understand the relationship between pets and the development of eczema in children.
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