Eczema
Eczema (sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis), is a group of inflammatory skin conditions
which can affect all age groups. Eczema varies in severity. In mild forms of the condition,
the skin is dry, hot and itchy. In more severe forms, the skin can become broken, raw and
bleeding. Although it may appear unpleasant, eczema is not contagious.
HOW COMMON IS ECZEMA?
Eczema, in its various forms, is believed to affect 12 –
25 percent of children, and 10 – 15 percent of adults.
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?
Atopic eczema is believed to be a hereditary condition,
being genetically linked. It has been suggested that people
who develop eczema are abnormally sensitive to certain allergens.
These allergens cause the immune system to overreact, causing
inflamed, irritated and sore skin. (This explains why people
with severe atopic dermatitis frequently also suffer from
hay fever or asthma.)
Such as is the case with psoriasis,
digestive problems (inflammatory bowel diseases such as crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis and diverticulitis) may precede
eczema; this could be due to abnormal absorption, into the
bloodstream, of foreign compounds from the digestive tract.
Foreign compounds within the bloodstream provoke immune hypersensitivity
and can affect the skin in many negative ways.
HOW DOES ECZEMA PROGRESS?
Eczema usually begins in childhood, appearing within the first six months, and can continue
through adolescence to adulthood. Although some children may eventually outgrow eczema, about
80 percent will have dry, irritated skin their whole lives.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA?
Not everyone with eczema will experience the same symptoms.
However, all who have eczema will experience dry skin, sore
rashes and relentless itching. Severe eczema can cause serious
health problems and profoundly affect the quality of life
by interfering with normal, everyday activities.
There are several forms of eczema. The most common form of
eczema is atopic dermatitis. This type of eczema is closely
linked with asthma
and hay fever. It can affect both children and adults, and
appears to run in families. One of the most common symptoms
of atopic eczema is intense itchiness. Other symptoms include
overall dryness of the skin, redness and inflammation. Constant
scratching can also cause the skin to split, increasing the
risk of infection (e.g. staph infection). If the skin becomes
infected, it may crack and weep. (This is known as “wet
eczema.”)
HOW IS ECZEMA NORMALLY TREATED?
Eczema treatments include emollients to maintain skin hydration
and steroids to reduce inflammation.
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