Eczema Tied to Bone Fracture Risk in Study

Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter Posted: Friday, October 31, 2014, 4:00 AM

(HealthDay News) -- The skin condition eczema may increase slightly the risk of broken bones and injured joints, a new study reports.

In a study of 34,500 adults, researchers found that among 7 percent of people who had an eczema flare-up in the past year, 1.5 percent had a bone or joint injury and 0.6 percent had an injury that caused a limitation of function.

Compared to people without eczema, those with the skin condition had more than double the risk of having had a fracture or bone or joint injury, according to the study.

"Adults with eczema have higher rates of injuries, including fractures and bone and joint injuries," said lead researcher Dr. Jonathan Silverberg, an assistant professor of dermatology at Northwestern University in Chicago.

Although this study found an association between eczema and bone and joint injuries, it wasn't designed to prove whether eczema is somehow a direct cause of those injuries.

Another expert said follow-up research is necessary. "Further studies would be needed to show if there's a direct effect or association of eczema with bone condition and strength over time," said Dr. Doris Day, a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

"The skin is often a reflection of the general health and well-being of our patients. Sometimes the connection is direct, but often it's more subtle," Day said.

The study was published online Oct. 29 in JAMA Dermatology.

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Eczema Tied to Bone Fracture Risk in Study