Like other allergy related conditions, eczema is becoming increasingly prevalent particularly in children.This chronic skin condition causes the skin to break out in an itchy red rash that is sometimes painful due to scratching. There are different types of this skin condition and the most common is atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis. The word eczema is Greek for to "boil over" and this refers to the oozing stage of acute eczema.
Causes of Eczema
Causes of eczema are not well understood but may include genetics, immunological and allergic reactions as well as external factors such as synthetic clothing and artificial substances and toxins in the environment. This recurring skin condition usually begins in early childhood and affects almost 15% of the population. In most individuals who suffer from eczema due to allergies or asthma, symptoms appear as early as the age of six months to a year. The condition may disappear completely for years at a time and then reappear with flare-ups. Adult onset eczema may be due to environmental chemicals and toxins in the liver and body.
Eczema can strike at any time of the year, but is more common during the winter. This is because colder, drier air outside as well as heated air indoors evaporates the skin’s moisture, causing irritation and dryness. In individuals prone to eczema the top layer of skin dries and becomes inflamed easily. Scratching injures this layer of skin and allows irritants and bacteria into the skin causing further inflammation. There is an increase in skin bacterial infections such as staphylococcus aureus in the skin.
Eczema Linked to Allergies and Asthma
Eczema due to allergies is linked to asthma and hay fever and most individuals with these conditions will also suffer from eczema. Unbalanced and increased immune activity also causes outbreaks of eczema.
To decrease the itch, regularly apply a thick layer of emollient or moisturizer such as petroleum jelly or shea butter. This moisturizer creates a protective sealant to retain the skins own moisture content. Avoid moisturizers that contain fragrances and other chemical irritants. Also avoid wearing rough or irritating clothing as this may tear sensitive skin. Natural, breathable and soft materials are better for the skin and don’t cause excessive sweating.
Improving the body’s immune system also improves eczema due to allergic reactions. Detoxing and cleansing the body can reduce inflammation as can increasing good bacteria in the body which helps to prevent the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Remove possible allergens such as cow’s milk, dairy products, eggs, tomatoes and citrus fruits from the diet. Topical corticosteroid therapy and immunological medications may also be needed in treatment prescribed by a physician.
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Reference:
Immunobiology - The Immune System in Health and Disease, by Charles Janeway, Jr. and Paul Travers. Garland Publishing, Inc. Fifth edition, 2001.
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
