Eczema's potential threats to life: Exploring associated health risks
In a world where skin health and cardiovascular health are intertwined more than we might think, atopic eczema, a common skin condition, has been associated with increased risks of stroke, heart attacks, and other major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).
Chronic systemic inflammation is a key factor contributing to these risks. People with atopic eczema exhibit elevated inflammatory mediators, such as fractalkine, CCL17, IL-16, and others, which promote the progression of arteriosclerosis and vascular inflammation.
Moreover, psychological and physiological stress, due to chronic itching and discomfort, can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and depression, activating the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in elevated blood pressure and vascular damage.
Coexisting metabolic conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, all established risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, also increase the risks. Interestingly, gender differences have been noted, with males showing a higher stroke risk.
However, treatment with oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which have systemic anti-inflammatory effects, has been associated with lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events and venous thromboembolism in atopic dermatitis patients, suggesting a potential cardioprotective effect.
Eczema itself is not a fatal condition, but individuals with eczema are more prone to developing viral, bacterial, and fungal infections due to damaged skin. Common bacterial infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus (staph), colonize over 90% of people with eczema, compared to only around 10% of those without the condition.
Eczema herpeticum, a potentially serious infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, is another complication. It can cause blisters, fever, chills, swollen lymph glands, and general feelings of being unwell. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as keratoconjunctivitis, meningitis, encephalitis, and sepsis.
In terms of treatment, a daily lukewarm bath or shower and applying a neutral moisturizer within 3 minutes is important for treating and preventing severe eczema flares. Topical steroid ointments are effective at treating flare-ups, helping reduce skin inflammation and irritation. For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe oral antiviral medication for eczema herpeticum.
Calcineurin inhibitors and dupilumab, nonsteroidal pharmaceuticals, can help manage severe eczema flare-ups by preventing skin discoloration and itching. Probiotics may provide some benefit, but their effectiveness in reducing eczema symptoms is uncertain.
It's crucial to discuss possible links and risk factors for other health issues relating to eczema with a healthcare professional to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment for both conditions. Continuing with any treatment for eczema and antibiotics if other infections develop is also recommended.
While more research is needed for conclusive evidence, atopic eczema may correlate with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, angina, and heart failure. Eczema may also predispose people to risk factors for cardiovascular health problems, including high blood pressure, high body mass index, diabetes, stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
In summary, the cardiovascular risks in atopic eczema are largely driven by chronic inflammation, stress-related pathways, and associated metabolic comorbidities, while emerging therapies targeting inflammation may mitigate these risks. Awareness and prompt treatment can help manage both the skin condition and the associated health risks.
- The elevated inflammatory mediators in people with atopic eczema, such as fractalkine, CCL17, IL-16, promote the progression of arteriosclerosis and vascular inflammation, which are entities related to medical-conditions and health-and-wellness.
- Oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, with systemic anti-inflammatory effects, have been associated with lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in atopic dermatitis patients, suggesting a potential cardioprotective effect in the realm of science.
- Eczema, a common skin condition, increases the risk of developing viral, bacterial, and fungal infections due to damaged skin, affecting the skin-care and health-and-wellness sectors.
- Besides the risks of stroke, heart attacks, and other major adverse cardiovascular events, atopic eczema may correlate with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, angina, and heart failure, highlighting potential links between this skin-condition and certain cardiovascular conditions.
