by Jim Clarke

Scientists have suggested that the rise in eczema cases in the West may be due to the fact that our society has become too clean. The so-called 'hygiene hypothesis' may also explain similar rises in other allergic conditions such as asthma and hayfever, the Manchester University researchers have claimed.

Around one in 12 people suffer to a greater or lesser degree from eczema, a skin complaint which is thought to be aggravated by stress. New research led by Dr Peter Arkwright has found that simply by introducing a harmless bacterium to children with eczema, the amount of their bodies affected by the condition is quickly halved.

"The hygiene hypothesis suggests that with the increase in allergic diseases such as eczema, asthma and hay fever, there has been a decrease in infectious diseases that used to cause lots of sickness and death", he said. "In other words, we have become too clean".