What is eczema?

Eczema is a standard phrase for various kinds of skin inflammation (dermatitis).  One of the most typical types of eczema is atopic dermatitis (occasionally both of these terms are utilized interchangeably).  However, there are various types of eczema.

Eczema could affect individuals of all ages, even though condition is most commonly encountered in infants, and about 85% of those impacted have an onset just before 5 years of age.  Eczema will forever resolve by age 3 within half of affected infants.  In other people, the condition is likely to be recurrent throughout life.  Individuals with eczema usually have a family history of the condition or perhaps a family background of other allergic conditions, for example asthma or hay fever.  The type of link amongst these conditions is inadequately understood. As much as 20% of children and 1%-2% of adults are believed to have eczema.  Eczema is a little more common in girls compared to boys.  It happens to people of all races.

Eczema is not contagious, but since it is believed to be at least partially inherited, it is not uncommon to find members of the same family affected.

What are the causes of eczema?

Doctors do not know the exact cause of eczema, but a defect of the skin that impairs its function as a barrier, possibly combined with an abnormal function of the immune system, are believed to be important factors. Studies have shown that in people with atopic dermatitis there are gene defects that lead to abnormalities in certain proteins (such as filaggrin) that are important in maintaining the barrier of normal skin.

Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin, such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewelry, or sweat. Environmental allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) may also cause outbreaks of eczema. Changes in temperature or humidity, or even psychological stress, can lead to outbreaks of eczema in some people.