Association Between Nasal Colonization of Staphylococcus aureus and Eczema of Multiple Body Sites

PURPOSE: Staphylococcus aureus is the critical pathogenic bacterium of eczema. The relationship between nasal colonization by S. aureus and eczema has not been well studied. We aimed to evaluate the associations between nasal colonization by S. aureus and eczema of multiple body sites, including persistent and ever-reported eczema. We further examined the associations between eczema and different subtypes of S. aureus, that is, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). METHODS: The real-world data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. The associations were calculated using survey-weighted multinomial logistic regression models and further calculated in subgroups stratified by demographic factors. RESULTS: In total, 2,941 adults were included. The prevalence rate of S. aureus nasal carriage was significantly higher in adults with persistent hand eczema (51.0%) than in those with ever-reported hand eczema (23.3%) and never eczema (26.9%). S. aureus nasal colonization was associated with an approximately two-fold increased risk of persistent hand eczema (odds ratios ranges in different models: 2.86–3.06) without significant heterogeneity in the association by demographic factors. No significant associations between S. aureus nasal colonization and persistent eczema of other body sites or ever-reported eczema of multiple body sites (including hands) were observed. Furthermore, similar significant association between nasal colonization of MSSA and persistent hand eczema was seen; the association was much stronger (odds ratios ranges in different models: 4.64–6.54) for MRSA, although with borderline significant. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal colonization of S. aureus was associated with increased risk of persistent hand eczema. Our findings imply that preventive measures targeting S. aureus for the anterior nares should be considered in preventing and treating eczema.