A quick tape test has been developed by researchers at the University of Copenhagen to determine whether a newborn is likely to experience severe eczema.
Researchers found immunological biomarker changes in cells that were associated with likelihood of developing the skin illness after using tape to painlessly sample the skin of 450 newborns.
According to a news release from EADV, babies who have high levels of the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) at two months old are more than twice as likely to get eczema by the age of two.
According to the BBC, this suggests that skin cream might be administered early to neonates who are at high risk of developing unpleasant flare-ups.
The 31st European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress is where the findings are being presented.
According to Anne-Sofie Halling, one of the study’s authors and researchers, “the study will help us analyse and establish future preventative methods for children with elevated TARC levels to help stop the development of this common and crippling disease.”
Up to 20% of children have eczema. It dries out, itches, and irritates the skin.
However, there is no cure; only treatment can aid with symptom relief.
