A systematic analysis in Pediatric Dermatology that included all relevant studies published since 1990 indicates that many urban-living Indigenous children and young people (CYP) in high-income countries are burdened with atopic dermatitis (or eczema) and bacterial skin infections (including skin sores).
Investigators note that these conditions are intertwined, in that poorly managed atopic dermatitis predisposes to recurrent bacterial skin infections, and secondary infection of atopic dermatitis contributes to more severe disease. Both conditions adversely impact general health, school performance, and overall quality of life. Untreated bacterial skin infections can also lead to serious complications such as sepsis, kidney disease, and rheumatic heart disease.
In this recent analysis, current and severe symptoms of atopic dermatitis were more common in urban-living Indigenous CYP compared with their non-Indigenous peers, with children having a higher prevalence than adolescents. Urban-living Indigenous CYP also had a higher incidence of bacterial skin infections compared with their non-Indigenous peers.
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