Vaccinations And Eczema - Does One Cause The Other?

Remember those dreaded childhood vaccinations? Queuing up for your jabs was never much fun, but for some children vaccinations seem to cause them more trouble than the initial - and brief - prick of discomfort.

Some parents have discovered that vaccinations and eczema seem to come in one package. Although there is no definitive proof that eczema can be a by-product of having an inoculation, some children who have never previously suffered from it have had vaccinations and eczema has suddenly appeared afterwards.

Why Could One Cause The Other?

This is unclear, but it is certainly a fact that eczema is more common in children than adults. It can appear at any age during childhood, so it is possible that the coupling of vaccinations and eczema is nothing more than coincidence and bad timing.

However, although the precise cause of eczema is unknown, many different things can cause it to become worse, and it may lie dormant in a person for many years before they come into contact with the very thing that aggravates it for them.

It's not out of the question that certain vaccinations may trigger this kind of reaction in certain children. It doesn't mean that vaccinations and eczema go hand in hand. It just means that vaccinations - just like pollen, certain skin care products, bleach, woollen clothes and many other things - are capable of producing a reaction in people who are sensitive to the elements included in vaccinations.

Are Vaccinations Safe For Those Who Already Have Eczema?

Again, there is no clear evidence to suppose that vaccinations are unsafe in this situation. The best advice is to ask about vaccinations and eczema at your doctor's surgery beforehand.

Once your child has had their vaccination, you should keep a close eye on their eczema to see whether there are any changes in it. If you notice anything unusual, or your child complains of any problems, see your doctor for advice straightaway. It doesn't mean the eczema is going to get worse - it could just be a temporary reaction - but early advice on treatment will help alleviate any symptoms of redness and itching, for example.

Vaccinations and eczema can be a worry for some parents, but it's important to keep things in perspective if you are worried. Millions of children are inoculated against a wide range of diseases every year, and only a tiny fraction ever experiences any problems as a result.

The protection against the disease is arguably more important in the long run.