Atopic dermatitis is more severe in children over the age of two whohavean increased body mass index

AimChildhood obesity increases the risk of developing atopic dermatitis, but no objective measuring tool has been used to determine whether it also affects the severity. Our aim was to determine whether an association existed between increased body mass index (BMI) or weight for length and severity of atopic dermatitis, as measured by the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. MethodsChildren with atopic dermatitis who presented to the emergency department at an urban children's hospital (n=104) were assessed using the SCORAD index. We assessed the relationship between BMI percentile or weight for length percentile, based on age, and atopic dermatitis severity, using single-variable multinomial logistic regression with odds ratios. ResultsA significant association was found between BMI >24 and atopic dermatitis severity for children older than 2years. When analysed separately, a significant association between BMI percentile and SCORAD severity was found in boys but not in girls. ConclusionThese data suggest that the severity of atopic dermatitis is associated with increased BMI percentile in children older than 2years, although this association was not apparent in younger ages using weight for length. Our results indicate the need for new avenues in the prevention and treatment of these entities.