Atopic Eczema

Also known as Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Eczema (AE) is a serious skin disease where sufferers tend to have dry, itchy and easily irritated skin. AE is quite common with as many as 1 person in 10 suffering at some point in their life, usually in childhood. 

The exact cause of AE is unknown but research has shown that children are more likely to suffer if their parents have suffered from AE, Asthma, hayfever or allergies. AE can also be a personal illness in that every sufferer finds certain irritants affect them worse than others. Hence you do need to take care and avoid the irritants that affect your child.

Of course, there is a certain amount of itching and scratching involved. You should encourage your child to avoid scratching as we all know this will only lead to more itching.

There are a number of factors which affect AE. These include allergies, temperature and humidity, dry skin, infections, emotions and stress.

What to Do

There are a number of medicines, oils and lotions which can help. See your doctor to discuss further.