Topical application of corticosteroids may increase the risk of osteoporosis in adults suffering from atopic dermatitis - a research states

Research says atopic Dermatitis increases the risk of osteoporosis in adults

According to a recent study from Taiwan state that people with atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema) have a high risk of osteoporosis due to the use of topical corticosteroids (Corticosteroids are pharmaceutical drugs that closely resemble cortisol that is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands naturally). Osteoporosis is a bone disease wherein the bones become weak and brittle due to low bone mineral density. Calcium (mineral) is responsible for stronger bones. The major causes of Osteoporosis are old-age, hormonal changes (during pregnancy or post-menopause), and some diseases like cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. 

Further adding to this, two other US-based studies suggest that atopic dermatitis patients have an increased risk of bone fractures in comparison to those without suffering from this disease. Atopic dermatitis has been on the rise globally in recent decades. Atopic dermatitis mostly affects children and adults and is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases nowadays.

Earlier only Alzheimer's adult patients had been linked to an increased incidence of osteoporosis and fractures. An another study from UK found that people with atopic eczema have a 10% higher risk of bone fracture. However, the bone health of the major adult patients with atopic dermatitis cannot be accurately represented in the research. There are many factors that affect bone health such as deficiency of vitamin D levels, alcohol use, smoking, and menopausal status.

According to mounting research results states that atopic dermatitis treatment may have a minor impact on bone health. Oral corticosteroids that are a cure for atopic eczema, are a well-known risk factor for Osteoporosis. One such oral corticosteroid such as cyclosporine appears to induce bone density loss, Whereas patients having Alzheimer's disease along with atopic dermatitis showed a substantial decline in BMD (Bone mineral density) in their lumbar spine as per the research.

The risk of osteoporosis rises with eczema severity that may result in spinal, pelvic, and hip fractures. Older women who suffer from Atopic Dermatitis generally face an increased risk of osteoporosis as per their age and due to the shorter exposure period in circulating estrogen (key hormone for bone growth).

The conclusion of research shows that young adult patients with Atopic dermatitis and non-atopic dermatitis persons have almost similar bone mineral density. Only people who apply corticosteroids or suffer from other diseases, pregnancy, or hormonal issues are at higher risk of bone degradation.

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