New findings have suggested that atopic dermatitis may be connected with other conditions such as cardiovascular, neurologic, and autoimmune diseases, according to an article published in Dermatology Times summarizing a recent study. In a report published by Mesjasz et al in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers analyzed cases of atopic dermatitis from previous studies and found that the condition appeared to be associated with “multiple comorbid allergic, cardiovascular, mental health, neurologic, autoimmune, and metabolic conditions,” according to the study authors. Patients with atopic dermatitis may not achieve regular exercise as a result of painful lesions on their palms and the soles of their feet, irregular sleep patterns, and disease activity spikes associated with perspiration. Some studies established various correlations between atopic dermatitis and cardiovascular disease—indicating that patients with the skin condition may be at a greater risk of experiencing coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, peripheral vascular disease, myocardial infarctions, strokes, hypertension, and thrombosis as a result of increased blood platelet activation and oxidative stress as well as decreased fibrinolysis. However, several other studies suggested that patients with the condition had a decreased risk of experiencing thrombosis. The researchers determined that though there may be a correlation between atopic dermatitis and several comorbidities, more research would be needed to validate the extent of the connection. They urged physicians and patients with atopic dermatitis to focus on reducing inflammation to mitigate the risk of developing comorbid conditions.
May 24, 2023