The cause is not fully understood. The oily (lipid) skin barrier tends to be reduced in people with atopic eczema. This leads to an increase in water loss and a tendency towards dry, itchy skin. Also, some cells of the immune system release chemicals under the skin surface, which can cause some inflammation. But it is not known why these things occur. Inherited (genetic) factors play a part. Atopic eczema occurs in about 8 in 10 children where both parents have the condition and in about 6 in 10 children where one parent has the condition. The precise genetic cause is not clear (which genes are responsible, what effects they have on the skin, etc).

The cause of discoid eczema is unknown, although it may happen as a result of having particularly dry skin. When your skin is very dry it cannot provide an effective barrier against substances that come into contact with it. This could allow a previously harmless substance, such as soap, to irritate your skin. It's important to look carefully at all the chemicals in cosmetics and toiletries that may have come into contact with your skin. Contact dermatitis , a type of eczema caused by coming into contact with a particular irritant, may have a role in discoid eczema. Some people with discoid eczema also have a history of atopic eczema , which often happens in people who are prone to asthma and hay fever.

Dermatitis is a general term used to refer to inflammation of the skin. It can refer to things like rashes, acne, and even dandruff. Skin redness, dryness, and itchiness are the most common symptoms of dermatitis, but scaling, flaking, and blisters can also occur. Dermatitis can be temporary, but when it occurs on a more chronic and longer-lasting basis, it is usually referred to as eczema. While many forms of dermatitis are commonly referred to as different forms of eczema, the most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. According to the national eczema association, eczema affects more than 31 million americans.

Bandages or special body suits to allow the body to heal underneath more powerful treatments offered by a dermatologist (skin specialist) the various treatments for atopic eczema are outlined on this page.

Overview - Atopic eczema

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Allergy new zealand (2010). Eczema (web page). Auckland: allergy new zealand. Http://www. Allergy. Org. Nz/a-z+allergies/eczema. Html [accessed: 20/05/20] clayton, t. , et al. Time trends, ethnicity, and risk factors for eczema in new zealand children: isaac phase three. Asia pac allergy. 2013 jul;3(3):161-78. Eanz (date not stated). Facts about eczema (web page). Eczema association of new zealand (eanz). Http://www. Eczema. Org. Nz/eczema-facts/ [accessed: 20/05/20] nhs choices (2019). Atopic eczema (web page). Redditch: national health service (nhs) england. Http://www. Nhs. Uk/conditions/eczema-(atopic)/pages/introduction. Aspx [accessed: 20/05/20] kim, b. S. (2020). Atopic dermatitis (web page). Medscape drugs and diseases. New york, ny: webmd llc. Http://emedicine. Medscape.

Symptoms of atopic eczema

The features of atopic eczema are usually easily recognized by health visitors, practice nurses and doctors, when they assess the skin. Blood tests and skin tests are usually not necessary. Your healthcare professional should: 1. Recognize that your child has eczema or an eczema flare 2. Find out whether anything seems to make the eczema worse or better? you may be asked about irritants (e. G. Washing products, toiletries, bathing) and triggers (e. G. Foods, toiletries, pets, heat and cold) and what creams or lotions you are using 3. Help you to manage symptoms by providing a management plan or refer you to someone who can provide you with a management plan.

Atopic eczema causes the skin to become itchy, dry, cracked and sore. Some people only have small patches of dry skin, but others may experience widespread inflamed skin all over the body. Inflamed skin can become red on lighter skin, and darker brown, purple or grey on darker skin. This can also be more difficult to see on darker skin. Although atopic eczema can affect any part of the body, it most often affects the hands, insides of the elbows, backs of the knees and the face and scalp in children. People with atopic eczema usually have periods when symptoms are less noticeable, as well as periods when symptoms become more severe (flare-ups).

Eczema, or dermatitis, describes a group of conditions in which the skin becomes itchy, dry, red and cracked. Other symptoms include scaling, oozing, blistering, skin thickening, and altered pigmentation, although not all of these changes will necessarily occur together. Atopic eczema is the commonest type of eczema, with usual onset in childhood, and often runs in families; it is associated with asthma and hay fever. In atopic eczema, the skin barrier is impaired and there is an overactive inflammatory response in the skin.

Complications of atopic dermatitis (eczema) may include: asthma and hay fever. Many people with atopic dermatitis develop asthma and hay fever. This can happen before or after developing atopic dermatitis. Food allergies. People with atopic dermatitis often develop food allergies. One of the main symptoms of this condition is hives (urticaria). Chronic itchy, scaly skin. A skin condition called neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) starts with a patch of itchy skin. You scratch the area, which provides only temporary relief. Scratching actually makes the skin itchier because it activates the nerve fibers in your skin. Over time, you may scratch out of habit.

Your doctor may prescribe a cortisone-based cream or ointment. Cortisone is a natural hormone that is produced by the body. Cortisones are very effective in controlling eczema, and are safe if used as directed. Weaker cortisones are used on your child’s face, and stronger cortisones are used on their body. It is important to apply the correct cortisone to all areas of eczema, even if the skin is open. Any medicines, creams and ointments should be used as prescribed by the doctor. Even though weak cortisone creams are available over the counter from the pharmacy, it is important to get a cream or lotion that is suitable for your child, and that you know how to apply it properly.