Eczema is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. It can occur anywhere on the body but is most common on the hands, face, neck and legs.
There are many different types of eczema. The most common type is atopic eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis), which has a tendency to run in families.
Other types of eczema include:
contact dermatitis – caused by an allergic reaction or irritation from certain substances coming into contact with the skin
dyshidrotic eczema – small blisters on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
nummular eczema – coin-shaped spots that can appear anywhere on the body
seborrhoeic dermatitis – typically affects areas where there are a lot of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands such as the scalp, nose and eyelids.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It is characterized by itchy and inflamed patches of skin. The area can become raw, red or discolored with blisters that may cause bleeding and oozing. Eczema affects individuals of all ages but most commonly begins in infancy with symptoms decreasing as the child gets older. Some may even outgrow it while others may have periodic flare ups throughout their adulthood.
The exact cause of eczema is unknown but its believed to have genetic causes. It is more common in children who have a personal or family history of allergies like asthma and hay fever. People who are prone to the disorder may develop symptoms because of irritants like soaps, detergents or certain fabrics. Exposure to hot water and perspiration can also worsen the condition. Other triggers include stress, dryness, extremes of temperature and sweating.
Why Eczema Happens
Eczema is a skin disorder that causes itchy, inflamed, and irritated skin. Often called atopic dermatitis, eczema can appear anywhere on the body. It usually begins as a baby or child and continues into adulthood.
Although there is no cure for eczema, there are several ways to manage the symptoms of eczema flare-ups. The best way to manage eczema is to identify triggers and avoid them whenever possible.
Types of Eczema
Atopic dermatitis (or atopic eczema) is the most common type of eczema. This type may be triggered by environmental or genetic factors. It often runs in families where allergies or asthma are present.
Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant, such as latex or soap, causing an allergic reaction. This type of eczema can also occur from coming into contact with an allergen, such as poison ivy or nickel.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy and inflamed. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. Other types of eczema include: contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.
Eczema is not contagious. However, the condition may be passed down through genes. While there is no cure for eczema, there are ways to manage the symptoms of the condition.
According to the National Eczema Association (NEA), more than 30 million Americans suffer from some form of eczema. The condition is most common in children under the age of 5, but adults can still get the condition as well. Most sufferers experience their first bout of eczema before 5 years of age.
Eczema – also known as atopic dermatitis – is a common type of skin condition that affects more than 30 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that can cause symptoms such as red and itchy patches of skin, blisters and cracks in the skin.
The majority of those affected by atopic dermatitis are children, although adults can have it too.
There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but there are ways to manage the disease.
What causes eczema?
When you have atopic dermatitis, your skin barrier doesn’t work properly. This means that your skin loses moisture easily and becomes dry. Your skin also becomes inflamed, or red and swollen, easier than normal.
This causes itchy patches of eczema on your skin. Scratching these patches makes them worse and causes more inflammation and itching. This can become a cycle that’s difficult to break. The rash can also cause skin changes such as blistering and cracks in the skin.
Most people with eczema have very sensitive skin that is easily irritated by things like soaps, detergents and other chemicals; dust mites; fabric fibers; cigarette smoke;
What is Atopic Dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin disorder in the pediatric age group. It is estimated that one in five children may have AD. The condition is characterized by itching, rash, and dry skin.
What are the symptoms?
Itching! Itching! Itching! This is the most common complaint of patients with atopic dermatitis. They itch all day and night, and sometimes they even scratch their skin until it bleeds. In addition to itching, patients may complain of the following:
Dryness and rough texture of the skin
Small bumps on the skin that ooze fluid when scratched open
Thickening of the skin from scratching (this can become permanent after many years)
Dark discoloration of the skin (usually due to chronic scratching)
How does atopic dermatitis start?
The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is still unknown. However, as with many other conditions, both genetics and environment seem to play a role in its development. For example, if one or both parents have allergies such as hay fever or asthma or atopic dermatitis, there is an increased chance that their child will also have these conditions. Similarly, children who live in urban