Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition which can be very discomforting indeed if you suffer from the more serious type; we mention type because there are several different sorts of eczema. Serious types of eczema will include visits to your doctor where some patients have been hospitalised. Eczema also known as dermatitis, describes a group of skin conditions where the skin is irritated or inflamed. The most common eczema that we are familiar with is atopic eczema (also called endogenous eczema).1 Figures state that in the UK approx 1 in 6 children get atopic eczema but as they get older their eczema normally disappears by the time the kids reach their teens, however it can continue. Behind most ailments there is nearly always a cause, however as with eczema, no known cause The word 'atopic' describes people with certain 'allergic' tendencies. However, atopic eczema is not just a simple allergic condition. Patients with atopic eczema have an increased chance of developing other 'atopic' matters such as asthma and hay fever. Symptoms for this type of eczema, are dryness of the skin, signs of redness and inflammation, parts of the body normally affected are front of the elbows and wrists, backs of knees, and around the neck. In saying this - it is not unknown to affect other areas on the skin. In young babies it is usually the face where the eczema appears. Other symptoms of atopic eczema are where the inflamed skin tends to be itchy. It is best to avoid scratching the infected area because this can worsen the problem. Some inflamed skin parts can become blistered and weepy. As with many conditions regardless of it being atopic eczema - it can come in mild and the more serious form. Inflamed skin can flare up from time to time causing more discomfort. The severity and duration of the eczema flare ups can differ for each individual In mild cases of atopic eczema, a flare up may cause just one or two small mild patches of inflammation. This is normally expected to be found behind the knees, or in front of elbows or wrists. In contrast to the mild type we have the more severe where skin flare-ups can last several weeks or longer, and cover many areas of skin. It is unusual for an adult over the age of twenty to develop atopic eczema. About 3 in 100 grown ups suffer from the disease. Research still goes on today to find the true cause, as we speak there is known cause that we can lay blame upon. Some cells of the immune system release chemicals under the skin surface which causes the inflammation. But there are no answers to why this happens. Genetic (hereditary) factors have not been ruled out. Back to numbers where it is said that atopic eczema occurs in about 8 in 10 children where both parents have the skin condition, and slightly less where one parent has the condition - 6 in 10. Is Atopic eczema common, well in reply to this – yes it is now more common than ever. There have been many speculative theories for this i.e. changes in climate, pollution, allergies to house dust, pollens, diet, infections, or other 'early-life factors'. However, these are only theories so no real proof as of yet to direct the blame for why. Atopic eczema is caused. It is best to avoid irritants to the skin and other 'triggers' wherever possible. Try using emollients (Moisturisers) to help prevent inflammation developing.