GASTROINTESTINAL SYMPTOMS IN ATOPIC ECZEMA

Aims-To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in child ren with eczema and the association of such symptoms with the extent o f eczema or skin prick test results. Methods-Sixty five children with atopic eczema and a control group matched for age and sex were recruit ed. Their parents completed a questionnaire about the children's gastr ointestinal symptoms. children's skin was examined; weight, height, an d abdominal circumference were measured; and skin prick tests were car ried out. Results-Gastrointestinal symptoms, especially diarrhoea, vom iting, and regurgitation, were more common in the children with eczema . Diarrhoea appeared to be associated with the ingestion of specific f oods. Gastrointestinal symptoms were related to diffuse eczema and pos itive skin prick tests to foods. There was no anthropometric differenc es between the patient and control groups. Conclusions-A gastrointesti nal disorder is common in children with eczema, especially with diffus e distribution. This may be responsible for substantial symptoms and m ay play a part in the pathogenesis of the disease and in the failure t o thrive with which it is sometimes associated.