Two recent studies presented at the 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) indicate that individuals with allergic conditions such as eczema, asthma, and hay fever may be at increased risk for complications following certain surgeries. Researchers attribute these risks to inflammation and changes in the immune system associated with these conditions, which can make healing more difficult and raise infection risks after surgical procedures.
One study examined over 20,000 women who underwent breast reconstruction after cancer surgery. The findings showed that those diagnosed with eczema, dermatitis, or other allergic skin diseases were more likely to experience complications related to their breast implants. These included higher rates of infections, scar tissue formation (capsular contracture), and implant rupture compared to women without such conditions. Over a three-year period post-surgery, patients with atopic skin disease were also found to require implant removal or additional corrective surgeries more often than others.
“People with eczema or similar skin conditions already have more sensitive skin and a higher level of inflammation,” said Philong Nguyen, BS, lead author of the study. “That seems to make surgical healing more difficult and increases the chance of infection.”
A second study conducted by some of the same researchers reviewed data from more than 38,000 adults who had bone graft surgery. Those with allergic diseases like eczema, asthma, or hay fever experienced greater rates of infection, bone inflammation (osteomyelitis), and needed additional surgeries for implant removal or replacement.
“Even two years after their initial surgery, people with atopic conditions were still more likely to have problems like infection or implant loosening,” said Joshua Wang, MS, lead author of this study.
“These results suggest that allergic conditions can affect the body’s ability to heal after surgery — not just in the skin, but in the bones as well.”
The authors emphasized that recognizing this elevated risk could help inform preoperative discussions and lead to closer postoperative monitoring for affected patients.
The ACAAI is a professional medical group representing over 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals. It focuses on patient care as well as education and research regarding allergies and asthma. More information about allergy diagnosis and treatment is available through their website: AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.
