I have noticed a common pattern among mothers of babies with severe eczema—each woman was given some form of steroid during her pregnancies. Have any studies investigated this link?
—JODI STODDARD, Prosser, Wash.
I could find no evidence to support this observation. The use of a strong anti-inflammatory agent during pregnancy could be a marker for inflammatory disease in the mother. Family history of asthma, allergies, or atopic disease does increase the risk of similar problems in infants and children.
—Julee B. Waldrop, MS, PNP (119-25)
