In a recent study targeting adults aged 60 and above, researchers have uncovered a concerning association between the initiation of blood pressure medications for hypertension and an elevated likelihood of developing eczema, a distressing skin condition marked by dryness, itching, and inflammation often accompanied by fluid discharge.
The incidence of new-onset eczema has been steadily climbing among older demographics, prompting a quest for underlying triggers. Seeking answers, a team of scientists from the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) delved into data from more than 1.5 million adults aged 60 and older in the United Kingdom, none of whom had a prior diagnosis of eczematous dermatitis at the outset of the research.
Dr. Katrina Abuabara, senior study author and associate professor of dermatology at UCSF, highlights the findings, indicating a correlation between blood pressure medications and a slight uptick in eczematous dermatitis rates. Specifically, individuals taking diuretics and calcium channel blockers demonstrated a heightened risk of eczema by 16 to 24 percent, while ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers were associated with a more modest 2 to 4 percent increase in risk.
In light of these findings, Dr. Abuabara underscores the importance for clinicians to carefully consider the risks and benefits of blood pressure medication options, particularly in cases where older adults exhibit dermatitis that fails to respond to conventional treatments.
While the study provides valuable insights, Dr. Adam Friedman, a professor of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, cautions against definitively attributing eczema solely to blood pressure medications. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the significance of such research in guiding clinical assessments of patients presenting with unexplained eczema, particularly in older populations.
Dr. Friedman emphasizes the multifaceted nature of eczema-like symptoms, which could stem from diverse underlying causes such as inflammatory conditions, malignancies, or nutritional deficiencies. Considering the potential role of drug reactions, he underscores the importance of recognizing medication-induced eczematous manifestations, especially among individuals prescribed multiple medications.
While calcium channel blockers have been previously associated with certain adverse effects, including lower leg swelling, the UCSF study is among the first to establish a link between these medications and eczema development.
Dr. Abuabara also highlights the broader spectrum of medications known to trigger eczematous drug reactions, including those targeting immune modulation for conditions such as psoriasis, arthritis, and bowel diseases, alongside antiviral drugs and chemotherapies.
Addressing the age-related dynamics of eczema, Dr. Friedman elucidates how aging skin becomes increasingly susceptible to moisture loss and external irritants, potentially exacerbating eczema symptoms. Furthermore, certain blood pressure medications may exacerbate this vulnerability by rendering the skin more sun-sensitive, thus compromising its protective barrier.
Despite these findings, Dr. Friedman emphasizes the paramount importance of managing hypertension effectively, urging patients not to forgo blood pressure medications solely due to concerns regarding eczema risk. Instead, he encourages individuals to maintain open communication with their healthcare providers, particularly if they experience eczema symptoms following medication initiation, thus facilitating informed decision-making and personalized care.
