New test to predict eczema risk in babies

A new sticky tape skin test could be used to predict if babies are likely to develop bad eczema.

Scientists from the University of Copenhagen used the sticky tape on two-month-old babies to painlessly collect and examine skin cell samples.

The researchers identified detectable immune biomarker changes in the cells that were linked with a future risk of developing eczema. It was found that babies with higher levels of Thymus and Activation-Regulated Chemokine in their skin cells were more than twice as likely to develop atopic eczema by the age of two than other babies in the study.

The scientists said that babies identified as high risk could benefit from early treatment with skin creams to avoid painful flare-ups.

The research was funded by the Lundbeck Foundation, and is being presented at the 31st European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress.

Dr Anne-Sofie Halling from the Bispebjerg Hospital at the University of Copenhagen, said: "To our knowledge, this is the first to show that non-invasively collected skin biomarkers can be used to predict the subsequent onset and severity of paediatric atopic eczema."

She continued to say that there appeared to be an "open window of opportunity" in the first few months, where successful intervention may reduce the risk of atopic eczema.

"It is also at this age we were able to identify both immune and lipid biomarkers that predicted the development of atopic eczema.

"Our findings of predictive immune and lipid biomarkers collected at two months of age will help identify children at highest risk of atopic eczema using a non-invasive and painless method, so future preventive strategies can target these children only and prevent cases of this common disease that so many children are suffering from."

Andrew Proctor, Chief Executive of the National Eczema Society, said: "This exciting study to identify additional biomarkers adds to our understanding of eczema and opens up new possibilities for preventing the condition developing.

"This will be welcomed by so many parents and children who suffer severely from this debilitating condition. It is fantastic the researchers were able to use tape strips to gather skin cells for the study, which are non-invasive and easier for patients than some other approaches."

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