Eczema (atopic)

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Eczema is a skin condition, which can result in dry, red and flaky skin. The skin may feel hot and very itchy and scratching can lead to the skin becoming damaged and infected. Eczema is not contagious. Eczema is also known as dermatitis, a term used to describe inflammation of the skin.

Atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema and is linked with hay fever and asthma. The tendency to develop atopic eczema is inherited but is strongly influenced by environmental factors.

Atopic means an extra sensitivity to substances (allergens). The most common allergens are house dust mites, feathers, pollen, cat or dog fur and sometimes foodstuffs e.g. cows milk, eggs or nuts.

Atopic eczema may start in babies from 3 months, often on the face, then to the outside limbs and the body. In older children it can occur on almost any part of the skin but most commonly involves the creases of the limbs, especially in front of the elbows and behind the knees and the wrists, ankle and neck.

Atopic eczema affects approximately 15-20% of young children in the UK. Atopic eczema clears up in approximately 70% of children by the time they reach their teens and in many it largely clears up by 4-5 years of age. If it persists into adult life, it usually affects the body creases, the face and hands. The incidence of atopic eczema has increased in recent years.