New research suggests that children who develop atopic dermatitis (eczema) early in life may face a significantly higher risk of asthma during childhood.
In a large population-based study from South Korea involving more than 1.1 million children diagnosed with atopic dermatitis before the age of two, researchers found that asthma risk was highest in the early years of life and remained above population averages throughout childhood.
Asthma Risk Peaks Early
According to the study, asthma prevalence peaked at 29.0% by age three among children with early-onset eczema. Although rates declined with age, they remained consistently higher than in children without early atopic dermatitis.
The findings support the concept of the “atopic march,” where allergic conditions may develop in sequence, often beginning with eczema, followed by asthma or allergic rhinitis.
Key Risk Factors Identified
Researchers also found that certain factors were linked to a greater likelihood of developing asthma, including:
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male sex
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preterm birth
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persistent eczema symptoms
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food allergies
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early-life respiratory infections such as RSV or rhinovirus
Children diagnosed with eczema after age one, as well as those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, appeared to have a lower risk.
Why This Matters
Eczema is often viewed as a skin condition, but the research highlights how early immune and inflammatory changes may also affect respiratory health.
Early monitoring of children with persistent eczema, especially those with additional risk factors, may help identify symptoms sooner and support timely care.
What This Means for Everyday Health
This study is a reminder that skin health and immune health are closely connected. In some children, early skin inflammation may be part of a broader allergic pattern that extends beyond the skin.
While not every child with eczema will develop asthma, understanding risk factors can help families and healthcare providers take a more proactive, long-term view of health.
Reviewed by: Dr. Cheryl Yeo