Eczema

Eczema, or dermatitis, is a term for skin inflammation and is typically characterised by dry, red and flaky skin that feels itchy and hot. Eczema is not contagious and can affect people of any age. Eczema is most common in infants but usually clears up by the time children reach their teens. Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema and is linked to asthma and hay fever.

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The exact causes of eczema are unknown but an abnormal function of the immune system is believed to be the major factor. Atopic eczema has been identified in people with a family history of the condition and therefore inherited genes may be the cause. People with atopic eczema are overly sensitive to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, animal fur and certain foods. The inherited gene also means they are at an increased risk of developing other allergy related conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

The common symptoms for eczema are itchy, dry, hot, red and flaky skin. Any area of the skin can be affected by eczema but it typically affects skin areas that crease i.e. front of the elbow, back of the knee, around the neck and the hands. In babies, eczema usually affects the face and scalp. In some cases, eczema can cause the skin to weep and swell and there may be a bacterial infection present such as staphylococcus.

People with persistent eczema (eczema in its chronic form that has lasted a long period of time) will usually have skin that has become dry, thick and scaly or cracked due to constant scratching. Atopic eczema increases the possibility that skin will develop other infections and will be highly sensitive to substances that will trigger further 'flare ups'.

Itchy and hot skin causes an uncontrollable urge to scratch and this will damage the skin even further. Scratching makes itchiness worse and an itch-scratch cycle develops that is difficult to break. Severe scratching can make the skin bleed and disrupt sleep. Sleepless nights can cause poor concentration and lack of energy, this can potentially lead to psychological problems such as depression. 

Eczema is diagnosed by a GP examining the skin and asking questions about family medical history for eczema, hay fever and asthma. The GP will also ask about environmental factors such as exposure to certain substances or situations. Occasionally, a blood allergy test or allergy patch test can be used to identify what triggers the eczema. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be taken to rule out other skin diseases that display similar symptoms to eczema.

*Source: GoToSee.co.uk

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