Men who suffer from atopic dermatitis are at a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction, according to a Taiwanese study. Atopic dermatitis has been found to co-occur with other allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, gastrointestinal disturbances and characteropathy. However, more research is needed to confirm that eczema causes impotence, the scientists announced. Certain chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are associated with a higher risk of the condition, characterized by the inability to get or keep an erection. The cause is probably due to dysfunction of blood vessels and nerves, said the research team from Taipei Medical University. Some previous research has also found that men with certain inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis, have a higher risk of developing erectile dysfunction than those without such problems. The current study involved 3,997 men with erectile dysfunction. NEWS_MORE_BOX Almost 11% of men affected by the condition had eczema before the onset of erectile dysfunction. In comparison, only about 7% of men without erectile problems had skin problems. After the researchers factored in other factors, including health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, they found that men with erectile dysfunction had a 60 percent increased risk of developing eczema. However, the reasons for this relationship are not yet clear. Research continues. The study was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.