Pregnancy Exposure to Environmental Hormones May Double Infant Atopic Dermatitis Risk

Exposure to environmental hormones during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of infants developing atopic dermatitis, according to a new study from Samsung Medical Center. The research, published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, analyzed the link between phthalate metabolite concentrations in newborn urine and the development of atopic dermatitis.

Phthalates, commonly used to make plastics flexible, are found in everyday items like toys and food packaging. They are known endocrine disruptors that can enter the body through ingestion, respiration, or skin contact. During pregnancy, these chemicals can cross the placenta, exposing the fetus to phthalates in amniotic fluid and potentially affecting fetal skin development.

The study tracked 61 newborns for 12 months, analyzing their urine collected within 48 hours of birth. It found that a higher total concentration of diethylhexyl phthalate metabolites was associated with approximately double the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. For concentrations exceeding the study's reference value, the risk escalated to 8.31 times higher.

Researchers believe phthalates may contribute to atopic dermatitis by weakening the skin barrier and triggering inflammatory responses. Cell experiments showed that phthalate exposure increased inflammatory cytokine expression and reduced key skin barrier proteins. Artificial skin tests also indicated increased water loss, further compromising the skin barrier function. "Early-life exposure to environmental hormones can affect infant skin health," said Professor Ji-hyun Kim. "As this is a crucial period for the development of the skin barrier and immune system, it is necessary to carefully examine the living environment during pregnancy and early infancy."

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Early-life exposure to environmental hormones can affect infant skin health. As this is a crucial period for the development of the skin barrier and immune system, it is necessary to carefully examine the living environment during pregnancy and early infancy.