Abstract
Background: The course of atopic and non-atopic eczema has not been differentiated up to now. Methods: Between 1994 and 2000 preschool children were investigated with identical methods in repeated cross-sectional studies. Eczema was identified by a dermatological investigation and atopy by skin prick tests or determination of specific IgE. Results: 2,693 girls and 2,783 boys underwent a full dermatological examination and determination of atopy. Girls had eczema more often than boys (8.7% vs. 6.1%). By contrast, atopy was more prevalent in boys than in girls (28.3% vs. 20.6%). An early-onset eczema (< 2 years of life) was strongly associated with atopy at the age of six especially in girls. This was not true for late-onset eczema. The excess of eczema in girls at the age of six was related to the non-atopic type. Conclusion: Genetic and lifestyle factors may be responsible for the different development of atopy and eczema in boys or girls.
| Translated title of the contribution | Eczema and atopy in six-year-old boys and girls from Germany |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 118-119 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Allergo Journal |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| State | Published - Mar 2005 |