Effects of Delivery Method on Skin Diseases and Allergy Status in Pediatric Patients Depending on Sociodemographic Characteristics

Abstract

Abstract 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 and allergy status, which are potential factors impacting skin microbiota, were also considered to investigate this relationship. 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 by the dermatologist. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square analysis and a binary logistic test was used for further analysis. Results revealed an increased risk of allergy and infectious skin diseases (viral, bacterial, fungal) in cesarean section (p < 0.001, p = 0.057). However, 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). On the other hand, children born by normal delivery and exposed to parental smoking had a decreased occurrence of non-atopic dermatitis (p = 0,051). 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). The etiopathogenesis of diseases is a complex process influenced by multiple factors, including delivery method, sociodemographic characteristics, and other unidentified factors. These factors interact and exert their effects on the microbiota and other systems, including immunological mechanisms. Minimizing 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 microbiota-targeted treatment.