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What is eczema?
The
word eczema describes certain kinds of dermatitis (inflamed
skin). Early eczema can be red, blistering, or oozing. Later on,
eczema can be scaly, brownish, or thickened. Almost always, eczema
itches. Examples of eczema include allergic contact dermatitis,
seborrheic dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis. This pamphlet will
describe and discuss a special type of eczema called atopic
dermatitis or atopic eczema.
Atopic Dermatitis or
Atopic Eczema
The word "atopic" refers to a tendency for excess inflammation in
the skin, linings of the nose, and lungs. It often runs in families.
These families may have allergies such as hay fever and asthma, but
can also have sensitive skin and a history of eruptions called
atopic dermatitis. While most people with atopic dermatitis have
family members with similar problems, 20 percent of patients may be
the only one in their family bothered by this condition.
The
normal function of the skin is to create a barrier between the
inside of the body and the outside environment. This is important
for many reasons it prevents the body from absorbing fluids and
prevents the body fluids from leaking out. It also allows us to be
aware of being hot of cold and if anything that might be of danger
to the skin. It also helps to regulate the body’s temperature by
shivering or sweating. However when the skin is affected by eczema
the barrier between the outside and inside is broken. This means
that substances that might not have affected the skin before may now
affect it.
However, as the skin begins to heal it becomes itchier which sparks
off more scratching. Chronic scratching results in the thickening
of the skin. Thickened skin assumes a red or silvery sheen, which
is called luchenification. Other colours may occur involving the
accumulation of loss of pigment. This will show up as patches or
tanned skin on a pale background, or pale patches on a dark
background.
Causes of
eczema
Foods- any food can cause a problem but milk, wheat,
eggs and food colouring are a problem to some people.
Antigenic proteins - These include
house dust mites, pollens, moulds and furry animals.
Micro-organism and other
irritants-damaged skin provide a perfect environment for
micro-organisms, bacteria, yeasts and viruses.
For information about eczema treatments,
click here
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