A new study published on February 10 in Pediatric Dermatology reveals that children with obesity are at a significantly higher risk for various dermatologic conditions compared to their non-obese peers.
The study, led by Samantha Epstein and Dr. Sonal D. Shah from the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, reviewed medical data from children under the age of 18, examining the connection between obesity and common skin conditions. Researchers found a clear association between obesity and an increased rate of all dermatologic issues assessed, as well as the related comorbidities.
Acanthosis nigricans, a condition characterized by dark, thickened patches of skin, showed the highest risk ratio at 62.16, while acne vulgaris had the lowest risk ratio of 2.50. The data suggested a rising trend in the prevalence of dermatologic conditions, with children suffering from obesity experiencing a more pronounced increase than those without obesity. Notably, the incidence of hidradenitis suppurativa, a chronic skin condition, rose by 17.18% from 2016 to 2023.
Beyond dermatologic concerns, children with obesity also exhibited higher rates of comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and major depressive disorder. The study showed that, when compared to their non-obese counterparts with similar comorbidities, children with obesity and conditions like hypertension, ADHD, depression, or OSA faced a heightened risk of developing most skin conditions, excluding rosacea.
The authors emphasized that the findings highlight the complex relationship between obesity and dermatologic health, with a particular focus on the proinflammatory effects of obesity. “Obese children, especially those with additional comorbidities like diabetes or OSA, face an even greater risk for certain skin conditions,” they stated, underlining the need for integrated care that addresses both physical and dermatological health in this vulnerable population.
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