The Brief

LOS ANGELES - For families considering a dog, science just added another reason to take the leap.

A large new study, published this week in the journal Allergy , found that early-life exposure to dogs may reduce the risk of developing eczema — but only for children with a specific genetic makeup. Researchers say the findings offer preliminary but promising evidence that a dog in the home may help offset certain inherited eczema risks.

The study is part of a growing body of research looking at how environmental exposures in early childhood interact with our genes, influencing who develops chronic conditions like eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis.

The backstory:

Eczema is a complex inflammatory skin condition that affects around 20% of children and 10% of adults in h

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