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Childhood eczema and household pets: a literature review

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Abstract

Many parents seek healthcare advice regarding whether keeping a household pet may be detrimental to the health of children with atopic eczema. Based on an extensive literature review, this article summarizes the evidence for recommendations regarding pets in households with children with eczema. The majority of studies did not provide definitive evidence on whether or not families with children with atopic eczema should get rid of their pets. The severity of atopic eczema and health-related quality of life do not directly correlate with skin sensitization to cats or dogs. Sensitized patients, especially those with concomitant asthma and severe symptoms, may consider non-furry pet alternatives if they plan to have a pet. Given the lack of good evidence, highly sensitized individuals, particularly those with asthma comorbidity, may need to remove their pet for a trial period to determine if symptoms improve in the absence of their pet.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 6/F, Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China

    Kam Lun Hon, Yin Ching Kathy Tsang, Nga Hin Henry Pong & Ting Fan Leung

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  1. Kam Lun Hon
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  2. Yin Ching Kathy Tsang
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  3. Nga Hin Henry Pong
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  4. Ting Fan Leung
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Correspondence to Kam Lun Hon.

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This review was not financially supported by any external sources

Conflict of interest

Kam Lun Hon, Yin Ching Kathy Tsang, Nga Hin Henry Pong, Ting Fan Leung declare that they have no conflicts of interest

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Hon, K.L., Tsang, Y.C.K., Pong, N.H.H. et al. Childhood eczema and household pets: a literature review. Drugs Ther Perspect 32, 484–487 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40267-016-0348-8

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