Is Your Eczema Causing You Problems
Do you need help? Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a recurring, non-infectious, inflammatory skin condition that can affect people of any age, although the condition is most common in infants. More than 50% of those affected have an onset within their first 12 months of life and about 20% prior to 5 years of age. In about half of affected infants, eczema will permanently resolve by age 6. In others, the condition tends to recur throughout life. Recurring patches of affected skin are red, dry and scaly. Fluid-filled blisters may also be present.
WHAT IS ECZEMA?
People with eczema often have a family history of the condition or a family history of other allergic conditions including asthma, hay fever and skin allegies. Even if these issues do not occur in childhood, they may develop later in life. Up to 20% of children and 1%-2% of adults are believed to have eczema. Eczema is slightly more common in girls than in boys. It occurs in people of all races. Adult onset eczema is often difficult to treat and may be caused by other factors such as medications.
WHERE DOES IT OCCUR?
In childhood and adulthood, eczema is most often found in areas known as ‘flexures’ – where skin folds back on itself – such as the back of the knees, front of the elbows and behind the ears. It sometimes occurs on the face, neck and head. In babies, the rash tends to occur on the face and the backs of the arms and legs.
SYMPTOMS
In severe cases, skin may crack, bleed, weep and crust over, especially if it is scratched. This makes the affected area susceptible and open sores may become infected.
Rough, “leathery,” thick skin
Symptoms are changeable, and may improve or worsen on a daily basis.
In adults, symptoms tend to decline during middle age. It is rare for elderly people to be affected.
CAUSES
The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, but it is thought to be due to a combination of internal and external factors, including allergies, stress, irritants, and genetic factors.
Internal factors
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A family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever (the strongest predictor) – if both parents have eczema, there is an 80 per cent chance that their children will too.
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Food allergies don’t cause eczema, but may trigger or aggravate it, especially in children. Foods that are most likely to be involved include dairy products, soy protein, seafood, nuts and seeds, eggs, and wheat.
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Stress
External factors Irritants – tobacco smoke, chemicals
Abrupt changes in temperature or humidity (hot and humid or cold and dry conditions).
Dry air eg. heated rooms in winter, air conditioning in summer.
Inhaling environmental allergens, such as dust mites, grass pollens and pet hair. (Dust mite allergy is common in people with eczema, and even if they are not allergic to dust mites when they initially develop eczema, many sufferers become allergic to them later).
Some materials, especially wool and acrylic (carpets, furniture, car seats and stroller covers as well as clothes).
Perfumed and ‘medicated’ products.
Chlorine in pools.
Allowing the skin to become dry.
A website I came across which you may find of value is For another great site see Routines for Babies
I hope this webpage is of assistance to you. It is continually being updated to provide you with the most up to date resources and information.
Wishing you success
Peter