WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, red, itchy and bumpy. It’s one of many types of dermatitis. Eczema damages the skin barrier function (the “glue” of your skin). This loss of barrier function makes your skin more sensitive and more prone to infection and dryness. Eczema doesn’t harm your body. It doesn’t mean that your skin is dirty or infected, and it’s not contagious. There are treatments that can help manage your symptoms. Eczema can show up anywhere on your skin. In teens and adults, it’s typically found on your hands, neck, inner elbows, ankles, knees, feet and around your eyes.
Symptoms includes: Dry Skin, Itchy skin, Red rashes, Bumps on the skin, Scaly, leathery patches of skin, Crusting skin, Swelling.
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is caused by a combination of immune system activation, genetics, environmental triggers and stress. Eczema is not contagious – you cannot get eczema from, or give it to, another person. However, skin affected by eczema may be more vulnerable to infections such as warts, cold sores, and athlete’s foot. Eczema is a form or dermatitis that tends to develop in people that also have allergies such as asthma and hay fever.
- Factors that cause the skin to become dry, and more vulnerable to irritants or infection
- Genetic factors – eczema runs in families
- Immune system dysfunction causing an unwanted inflammatory response in the skin.
- Irritants such as soaps and detergents, wool, skin infections, dry skin, low humidity, heat, sweating or emotional stress.
- Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, moulds, or foods.
TREATMENTS
Treating eczema (atopic dermatitis) can be difficult if the cause is something you can’t control, like genetics. Fortunately, you may have some influence over your environment and stress levels. Do your best to figure out what triggers or worsens your eczema, and then avoid it. The goal is to reduce itching and discomfort and prevent infection and additional flare-ups. Treatments includes according to severity of eczema, Some need medicines and some both medicines and phottherapy or UV light therapy.
