Effects of Delivery Method on Skin Diseases and Allergy Status Depending
on Sociodemographic Characteristics
Abstract
Background Recent data support a relationship between gut
microbiota and various chronic diseases, with emerging evidence
indicating a similar association with skin microbiota. This study
examined the impact of delivery method on skin microbiota and explored
its effects on skin diseases and allergies. Sociodemographic
characteristics, which are potential factors impacting skin microbiota,
were also considered to investigate this relationship. Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 285 pediatric patients. The
delivery method, allergy status, age, gender, consanguineous marriage
and parental smoking exposure factors were questioned. The present
diagnoses of the patients were also recorded. Categorical variables were
analyzed using chi-square analysis and a binary logistic test was used
for further analysis. Results An increased risk of infectious
skin diseases (viral, bacterial, fungal) and allergies has been observed
in cesarean section (p<0.001, p=0.057). The risk of scabies
was higher in normal delivery (p=0.032). There was no significant
relationship between the method of delivery and atopic or non-atopic
dermatitis. For children born by cesarean section, parental smoking
exposure and allergies were identified as factors increasing the risk of
atopic dermatitis (p=0.045, p=0.018). Allergic children born by cesarean
section exhibited a lower prevalence of infectious skin diseases
(p=0.037). In addition, a decrease in infectious skin diseases from
21,2% to 10,3% was observed after 3 years of age in normal births
(p=0,139). Conclusions Minimizing sociodemographic risk factors
and creating a balanced and healthy microbiota, especially in early
life, through personal and environmental measures, will be an important
part of the treatment of skin diseases and allergies.