Eczema is a broad term used to describe different types of skin conditions. The underlying symptom of eczema is inflamed, dry skin that can be easily irritated, resulting in an itchy and painful condition. Although there are up to eight different types of eczema , the most commonly recognized forms are Atopic Eczema and Contact Eczema. Treating atopic dermatitis To date, there is no cure for atopic eczema, but there are treatment options to control symptoms. Studies continue to be carried out for this complex condition in order to come up with an effective solution. A focus has been given to repairing the skin barrier first. If this step isn’t taken, then foreign allergens will continue to enter the skin’s surface, sparking the production of more antibodies. Many treatments help to reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, rather than cure it completely. Treatment involves reducing contact with any known substances that create an allergic reaction. There are many substances which are known to aggravate symptoms such as types of clothing materials, hot water or high temperatures. Like many other diseases, stress has also been considered a common aggravator, therefore a focus is given to methods that help to reduce stress in your life.

Eczema is a broad term used to describe different types of skin conditions. Although there are up to eight different types of eczema , the most commonly recognized forms are Atopic Eczema and Contact Eczema. Notably, both atopic and contact eczema share the same appearance. In determining both atopic and contact eczema, your doctor will take a detailed medical history from you, including if anyone in your family has been known to suffer from eczema in the past. You will be asked the frequency in which you experience the symptoms of eczema, questions about your current diet, the common areas where it occurs on your body, and how long you have been suffering from the symptoms. Diagnosis differs slightly for atopic or contact eczema. If you didn’t experience eczema as a baby or from a young age, nor having it run in your family, your doctor will most likely point towards a diagnosis of contact eczema. A clear family history of eczema or eczema symptoms from a young age will lead down the path of diagnosing atopic eczema. Diagnosing contact eczema You will be asked to consider which possible substances are causing a reaction, for example, if your occupation is cleaning, perhaps there are chemical products you can rule out.

Eczema is a broad term used to describe different types of skin conditions. The underlying symptom of eczema is inflamed, dry skin that can be easily irritated, resulting in an itchy and painful condition. Like many medical conditions, the causation behind eczema remains a bit of a mystery. It’s known that those that suffer from eczema have an over-reactive immune system, where triggers for eczema cause the body to attack itself. The symptoms are hints that there is too much inflammation in the body. The FLG gene that was discussed earlier, is the one leading causation behind atopic eczema. There isn’t just one factor that causes eczema, but rather a combination of factors that have been recognized including: Genetics Hormonal changes At least 11 unrelated skin conditions can produce eczema Certain allergies whether environmental or food- Statistics reveal that 1/3rd to 2/3rd of children and young people with atopic eczema also had a food allergy. Contact with bacteria, certain viruses or mold Any sudden change in temperate Diet It is interesting to note that eczema may also have a domino effect on other allergy conditions. Up to 60% of those with atopic dermatitis going on to develop asthma or hay fever.

Eczema is a broad term used to describe different types of skin conditions. Eczema can also go by the name of dermatitis. The underlying symptom is inflamed, dry skin that can be easily irritated, resulting in an itchy and painful condition. Through persistent inflammation, the skin may harden in affected areas or even form a reddened crust. In quite severe cases you may also experience blistering or infection in the affected areas. It is estimated that around 31 million Americans display symptoms of eczema. Of those figures, 17.8 million have what is called atopic dermatitis. You may often recognize eczema as commonly affecting areas such as elbows, wrists, knees or backs of legs, although it can affect any other part of the body. Flare-ups are common and reoccurring. If you know of someone with eczema, there’s no need to clear a 10-meter radius around them, as it’s not contagious! Although there are up to eight different types of eczema, the most commonly recognized forms are: Atopic dermatitis (or atopic eczema) This is a type of eczema that is considered a complex and chronic inflammatory skin disease, which you most likely would have inherited from your mom or dad. It is understood that a particular gene, called the FLG (filaggrin) gene, carries “data” for how your skin structure is created.