23andMe Added an Eczema Report



23andMe released an Eczema report. Eczema is also called Atopic Dermatitis. This report is one of more than 10 reports and features that are added annually and are available to those who have a 23andMe+ membership.

According to the Mayo Clinic, eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is a condition that makes a person’s skin red and itchy. It is common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever. No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. Mayo Clinic says there are treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks.

23andMe points out that eczema flares can be uncomfortable and that people with eczema are more likely to get skin infections and having trouble sleeping. In addition, depression and anxiety are more common in people with this condition, especially those with more severe forms of this common skin disorder. The National Institutes of Health in the United States is funding basic research into the condition.

Over the last decade, researchers – including scientists at 23andMe – have discovered some underlying genetics of the condition. They know that many of those with eczema also have food allergies, asthma, or hay fever, for example. These are allergic conditions, and they also share genetic associations. But they impact different parts of the body. By learning about the shared genetics of these conditions, scientists are learning more about potential ways to treat them.

The eczema report is powered by a polygenic score. The score is calculated using more than 2,100 genetic variants and a customer’s ethnicity and sex to estimate the likelihood of having eczema. To calculate this estimate, 23andMe uses aggregated data from consented 23andMe research participants.

The report does not diagnose eczema. If you are concerned about your likelihood of developing eczema, 23andMe recommends that you consult with a healthcare professional.

Related Articles at FamilyTree.com:

23andMe Added Two New Medication Reports

23andMe Explains the Genetics of Allergies

23andMe Offers 23AndMe+

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