Dogs may guard kids from common childhood illness and chronic diseases, here’s what new study says

Skin is a vital sense organ of our body that helps us in many ways. But itchy skin is a frustrating issue in many households, especially when it affects children at a young age. While some kids suffer from this more intensely than others, the reasons behind this uneven impact aren't always predictable and clear.

For instance, certain children develop atopic eczema which is a chronic inflammatory skin condition even after living in the same conditions as others. This puzzle has led scientists to explore deeper causes beyond the external factors.

Can pets or weather trigger eczema? Researchers think so

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis which is a common skin condition that causes red, itchy, inflamed and sometimes dry or cracked patches of skin. It often appears in early childhood but can affect people of all ages.

Eczema is not contagious and is usually linked to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition can flare up due to triggers like allergens, irritants, stress or changes in weather.

While there’s no cure and treatments like moisturizers, topical creams and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and reduce discomfort.Researchers are ongoingly investigating how genetic factors interact with environmental influences to uncover why certain children develop eczema.

Their goal is to improve scientific understanding by providing parents with clear guidance on lifestyle choices that may help. Upcoming research might explore how different pets or environmental factors influence the immune system’s balance.The researchers believe that further identifying the functions of various gene variants could lead to more precise prevention strategies. Parents should stay informed about new discoveries on protecting their child’s skin barrier and consult a pediatrician before making significant changes, especially if their child already experiences persistent skin irritation.Eczema is marked by red and irritated skin that can be challenging to manage. It’s caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as exposure to certain animals or bacteria in early life. While having a family history of dry skin conditions also increases a child’s risk, it doesn’t guarantee they will develop eczema in future. Interestingly, some children with genetic markers for the condition never show symptoms while others struggle with it for years.

According to the CDC report, about 7.3% of adults over 18 have eczema.

Eczema and protective role of pet dogs

According to a report by Earth.com , a research team is now focusing on the role of genetics by investigating whether a child’s unique genetic profile might increase their susceptibility to eczema for having deeper insights into its prevention and personalized treatments.After analyzing the data from children across various countries, the researchers found the clues which suggest that having a pet dog at home could help to neutralize certain genetic risks that are linked to itchy skin conditions.Professor Sara Brown of the University of Edinburgh’s Institute of Genetics and Cancer with Dr. Marie Standl from Helmholtz Munich has played a key role in this study as they have offered new perspectives on how genetic and environmental factors may interact in families from all around the world.Families with pet dogs often notice that their children experience fewer skin infections. Curious about whether this observation had a genetic basis, researchers examined a specific DNA region near the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) which plays a key role in immune system regulation.“Genetics influence a child’s likelihood of developing eczema and previous research suggests that having a dog might offer some protection,” explained Professor Brown.The study revealed that the children carrying a slight variation in this gene could avoid the typical eczema risk if they grew up with a dog in their home from an early age.

Eczema might get prevented by sibling interactions

Researchers have also observed that having older siblings may provide some level of protection against eczema.

This connection could be due to children being exposed to different types of bacteria brought in by their brothers or sisters which may affect how their bodies respond to environmental triggers. However, more studies are necessary to understand how these diverse bacterial exposures interact with genetic factors in eczema development.“Preventive strategies don’t have the same effect for everyone, which is why studying the interaction between genes and the environment is so important,” explained Dr.

Standl.Some families consider having another child or getting a dog to help lower eczema risk but it’s important to remember that no single approach works for every child.

Dogs are not effective in all eczema cases

Scientists stress that bringing a dog into the home from birth doesn’t guarantee a child will avoid eczema. The recent study did not explore whether dogs can help treat eczema once it has already developed. Many experts warn that introducing a pet could actually worsen symptoms in children who already have the condition.The researchers propose that exposure to bacteria associated with dogs might influence a child’s immune system by altering how the interleukin-7 receptor functions.While this genetic variation is not the sole cause of eczema and it plays a key role in regulating inflammation. Early exposure to dogs may change how this gene impacts the skin’s protective barriers by helping them to stay healthier.Also read: 7 animals that can be heard from long distances including elephants, blue whales, and more