Chickenpox in childhood is associated with decreased atopic disorders, IgE, allergic sensitization, and leukocyte subsets.

Background: Wild-type varicella zoster infection (WTVZV) up to 8 yr of age has been shown to protect against atopic dermatitis (AD) and asthma. We sought to determine whether WTVZV in childhood protects against atopic disorders, allergic sensitization or decreases serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, practice-based study of outpatient pediatric practices in NY.

Association between obesity and atopic dermatitis in childhood: a case-control study.

Background: Obesity in children is associated with increased asthma and atopy.

Objective: We sought to determine whether obesity in childhood or adolescence increases the risk of atopic dermatitis.

Methods: This retrospective, practice-based, case-control study randomly sampled 414 children and adolescents (age, 1-21 years) with atopic dermatitis between January 2000 and December 2007 and 828 randomly sampled healthy control subjects.

Association between varicella zoster virus infection and atopic dermatitis in early and late childhood: a case-control study.

Background: Wild-type varicella zoster virus infection (WTVZV) early in childhood has been shown to protect against the development of asthma and atopy.

Objective: To determine whether WTVZV in childhood protects against atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods: This retrospective, practice-based, case-control study randomly sampled 256 children and adolescents (age 1-18 years) with AD and 422 age-matched healthy controls from 2005 to 2007.