Eczema

Eczema is a term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated.

The most common type of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis, or atopic eczema. Atopic refers to a group of diseases with a tendency to develop other allergic conditions such as asthma and hayfever, which are often inherited.

Atopic eczema can affect up to 15% of children in the UK. For more than half of those with the condition it clears up by the time they reach 11 years old, but some people continue to experience symptoms on and off throughout life. With proper treatment the disease can be controlled in the majority of people.

What are the symptoms of eczema?

No matter which part of the skin is affected, eczema is almost always itchy. Sometimes the itching will start before a rash appears, but when it does a rash most commonly occurs on the face, knees, hands or feet. It may affect other areas as well.

Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened or scaly. In fair-skinned people these areas may initially appear reddish and then turn brown. Among darker-skinned people eczema can affect pigmentation, making the affected area lighter or darker.

In infants the itchy rash can produce an oozing crusting condition that occurs mainly on the face and scalp, but patches may appear anywhere.

What causes eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it's thought to be linked to an overactive response by the body's immune system to unknown triggers.

In addition eczema is commonly found in families with a history of other allergies or asthma.

Some people may have flare-ups of the itchy rash in response to certain substances or conditions. For some coming into contact with rough or coarse materials may cause the skin to become itchy. For others feeling too hot or too cold, exposure to certain household products such as soap or detergent, or coming into contact with animal dander may cause an outbreak. Upper respiratory infections or colds may also be triggers. Stress can cause the condition to worsen.

Although there is no cure, most people can effectively manage their disease with medical treatment and by avoiding irritants. The condition is not contagious and can't be spread from person to person.

How is eczema diagnosed?

Eczema can be diagnosed by a doctor. Since many people with eczema also have allergies, your doctor may order allergy tests to determine possible irritants or triggers or ask for a food diary to be kept.