No, eczema does not affect your life expectancy.
Response to your request in detail
Eczema, a skin condition characterized by red, itchy and inflamed patches of skin, does not affect life expectancy. According to the National Eczema Association, eczema is a chronic condition that can be managed with proper skincare routines and medical treatment. While there is no known cure for eczema, it is not a life-threatening condition and does not increase the risk of mortality.
The World Allergy Organization notes that eczema is a common condition, affecting up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide. It is often seen in families with a history of asthma or allergies, and can be triggered by a variety of environmental or internal factors, such as stress, allergens, irritants and certain foods.
While eczema may not directly impact life expectancy, it can have a significant impact on quality of life. Eczema symptoms can be disfiguring, painful and affect daily activities such as sleep and work. In severe cases, it can lead to secondary infections, requiring medical attention. British novelist George Orwell, who suffered from eczema throughout his life, once wrote: “Living with a diseased skin is inherently miserable.”
The following table provides more information on the prevalence, triggers and impact of eczema:
| Eczema Facts | |
|---|---|
| Prevalence | 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide |
| Triggers | Stress, allergens, irritants, certain foods, genetics |
| Impact | Disfiguring, painful, affects sleep and daily activities |
| Complications | Secondary infections, scarring, anxiety and depression |
In conclusion, while eczema is a chronic condition that can have a significant impact on quality of life, it does not affect life expectancy. With proper treatment and management, people with eczema can lead a normal life. As American actress Zooey Deschanel once said: “I have eczema, so fragrance is not my friend.”
Response to your question in video format
Dr. Ken Berry explains in this video that salicylates found in foods and drinks can cause eczema and other chronic conditions and suggests eliminating high-salicylate foods from your diet for a month to see if you have a sensitivity or intolerance. The speaker also suggests following a keto or carnivore diet to see significant improvements in eczema and to recognize that eczema is an issue with the diet and not the skin.
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Hospitalization due to AD flares and related infections is associated with an 8.3 year reduction in lifespan compared to the general population. Outside of hospitalization, the risk for death due to any cause is slightly increased in people with AD.
Eczema is considered a chronic (lifelong) condition for some people, with flare-ups taking a few weeks to subside with treatment. There is limited evidence of increased ‘all-cause’ mortality in patients with non-severe atopic eczema, and the absolute risk of death is modest, with low overall mortality rates.
Although eczema is not considered a fatal disease, people with atopic dermatitis are at slightly increased risk for death from any cause. In addition, if you have to be hospitalized for atopic dermatitis, your overall life span is about eight years shorter than that of the general population.
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Often, older adults may have health complaints that can be associated with forms of eczema such as varicose veins. They may not move around as much as they should do. All of these factors can worsen eczema or cause it to develop later in life.
- Asthma and hay fever.
- Food allergies.
- Chronic itchy, scaly skin.
- Patches of skin that’s darker or lighter than the surrounding area.
- Skin infections.
- Irritant hand dermatitis.
- Allergic contact dermatitis.
- Sleep problems.