ECZEMA AND DERMATITIS: TYPES AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY-AN UPDATED REVIEW

*Abdulrhman Awadh Alharbi, Ali Suliman Aloula, Barakat shumailan alazmiy, Ahmad alhelo alanazi, Ibrahim Muhammad Al-Arej, FAWAZ AWDAH MOHAMMAD ALSHAMMARI, Khalid Abdulkader Batarfi, Abdullah lbrahim Alsulaiman and Amal Thani Alenazi

ABSTRACT

Background: Atopic eczema (AE), or atopic dermatitis, is a common inflammatory skin condition influenced by various environmental factors. Understanding these influences is crucial for addressing prevalence variations across populations. Aim: This study investigates the environmental factors affecting AE, including climate, urban versus rural living conditions, diet, breastfeeding practices, obesity, pollution, and microbial exposure. Methods: An ecological analysis utilizing data from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase 1 examined correlations between AE symptoms and environmental variables such as climate, urbanization, dietary habits, and more. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of various studies were also employed to gather comprehensive insights. Results: The analysis revealed that AE symptoms are positively correlated with latitude and negatively correlated with average annual outdoor temperature. Urban areas exhibited higher AE prevalence than rural settings, attributed to environmental pollution and hygiene-related exposures. Dietary shifts towards a Western diet showed increased AE risks, while high fish intake appeared protective. Limited evidence supported breastfeeding's role in AE prevention. Obesity rates were linked to increased AE risk, and pollution exposure, though associated with AE, showed only weak correlations. The hygiene hypothesis suggests that reduced microbial exposure may contribute to AE development. Conclusion: Environmental factors play a significant role in the prevalence and severity of AE. Further research is needed to elucidate these relationships and the mechanisms behind them, with an emphasis on prevention and management strategies.

Keywords: Atopic eczema, environmental factors, climate, urbanization, diet, breastfeeding, obesity, pollution, hygiene hypothesis.