Abstract
Introduction: Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is the leading cause of inflammatory skin diseases of childhood worldwide, which can impact on the quality of life of children and their families. Breastfeeding and infant feeding practices can play a role in the development of AD. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between AD and breastfeeding practices and the early introduction of solid food and to identify other potential risk factors to AD among children in Arar City, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This case-control study was carried out on children below 7-years old between September 2019 to March 2020. A structured questionnaire completed by mothers/guardians was used to collect information on socio-demographic and birth data, family history of atopy, feeding pattern and antibiotic administration during the first year of life. The questionnaire developed by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was used to investigate the manifestations of AD. Results: The study recruited 106 AD children and 99 matched controls. The risk of AD was doubled in children who have never been breastfed (P=0.023). The cessation of exclusive breast feeding before 2-months, exposure to animal milk during the first year of life and positive father history of AD were risk factors for AD. Exposure to solid food, infant formula and antibiotics after 6-months, highly educated mothers and high (more than satisfactory) family income were protective factors. Conclusion: Breastfeeding with delayed exposure to complementary food after 46 months, highly educated mothers and high family income reduced the risk of AD, while positive father history of AD increased the risk.