Association between duration of Exclusive breastfeeding and severity of Atopic dermatitis in children aged 1 to 12 years: A Cross-sectional study

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder in children with multifactorial aetiology. Although breastfeeding provides immunological benefits, its influence on the severity of AD remains unclear. Objectives: To assess the relationship between the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and the severity of AD in children aged 1–12 years and to identify selected socio-demographic factors associated with disease severity. Methods: A hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 children aged 1–12 years diagnosed with AD, attending the Dermatology OPD of a tertiary care hospital from December 2024 to February 2025. Data on EBF duration and socio-demographic variables were collected through caregiver interviews. AD severity was assessed using the SCORAD index. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: No significant association was found between EBF duration and AD severity (χ²=4.81, p=0.568). Socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, religion, residence, housing, overcrowding, diet, parental education and socio-economic status showed no significant association (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: Duration of EBF and socio-demographic factors did not significantly influence AD severity. However, breastfeeding should still be promoted for its overall health benefits. Further longitudinal multicentric studies are warranted.