New research, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, reveals that people who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions, are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The study involved 61 000 people. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that included questions about their lifestyle habits and overall health, including the health condition of the skin.
Results showed that people who suffer from inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, have a 48% higher risk of developing high blood pressure, 35% higher risk of elevated blood sugar levels and 29% higher risk of elevated blood cholesterol. These are all risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
The risk of cardiovascular diseases was not significantly decreased, despite the introduction of healthier living habits, such as regular exercise.
Scientists believe that the elevated risk of heart disease accounted chronic inflammation in the body, which, although it is only visible on the skin, is present throughout the body.
Previous studies have shown that chronic inflammation in the body increases the risk of a number of diseases, including various types of cancer, stroke and heart attack and diabetes type 2 diabetes.
However, scientists have for the first time found that chronic dermal inflammation also has an equally harmful effect on health.