A recent study highlights a potential connection between childhood obesity and immune-mediated skin disorders (IMSDs) such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata. Analyzing data from 2,161,900 Korean children between 2009 and 2020, researchers found that maintaining a healthy weight might reduce the likelihood of developing these conditions. The study aimed to explore whether obesity or fluctuations in body weight are associated with IMSDs.
Children suffering from IMSDs and their families face significant impacts on emotional, physical, social, and functional well-being. Despite the promise of biologic treatments for pediatric psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, challenges remain due to limited clinical trials and treatment options.
The rise in childhood obesity has been exacerbated by recent pandemics and lockdowns, posing a severe public health challenge. However, the precise mechanisms linking obesity to chronic inflammatory skin diseases remain unclear.
Seong Rae Kim from the Department of Dermatology at Seoul National University College of Medicine noted that while previous studies have examined the link between childhood obesity and IMSDs, most were cross-sectional with small sample sizes. Few studies have tracked children over time to assess how weight changes influence IMSD development. “We still don’t know for sure if obesity leads to atopic dermatitis and psoriasis or vice versa, and there’s a lack of research on how body weight impacts alopecia areata,” Kim stated.
Published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, the study underscores the need for weight management and healthy dietary strategies to prevent atopic dermatitis, particularly in obese children before school age.
Related topic:
Does microdermabrasion help cystic acne?
8 Ways to Treat Acne Under Eyes
