Eczema's effects can be bone-deep

Study finds tie between eczema, bone injury

A new study out this month suggests that people with the itchy skin condition eczema are more likely to suffer broken bones and other joint and bone injuries.

Researchers studied a nationally representative sample of 34,500 adults ages 18 to 85 of whom about 7 percent had eczema. They found that people with eczema were about 44 percent more likely to have had an injury and that 67 percent were more likely to have a bone or joint injury serious enough to limit physical activity than were those without the ailment. Other skin problems were not associated with an increased risk. The study appeared in JAMA Dermatology.

The studys authors noted that that chronic inflammation is associated with bone loss and increased fracture risk. Also, steroid medications, often used for eczema, can weaken bones.

John Petrick

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Eczema's effects can be bone-deep