WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is medical condition that causes irritated and dry skin. The condition varies from person to person, and the causes for it are unknown by doctors. There are many theories as to what causes it, ranging from genetics, environment, diet, allergies, and whether you have any other atopic conditions such as asthma and hayfever.

Eczema can be mild in form, simply giving the sufferer itchy dry and scaly skin, or it can be more severe and aggressive and cause a rash that weeps and cursts over. In some cases scratching can cause bleeding and further irritation. / Eczema affects all ages, but is more common in children and babies. Many who suffer through childhood eventually grow out of it in a similar way to asthma. In the UK, one in five children and one in twelve adults have eczema.

Types of eczema

Three common types of eczema include:

Atopic eczema

This type of eczema can affect people of all ages. One in 10 Americans has it, and it’s more common in non-Hispanic Black children. It’s long-lasting and caused by a combination of genetic predisposition, the immune system, and the environment.

Contact eczema

This can happen when outside agents, such as cosmetics, irritate the skin. Anyone can be affected.

Seborrheic dermatitis

This is a chronic condition not caused by an allergy or poor hygiene. It may stem from other medical conditions, yeast on the skin, stress, or the environment.