Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is the name for a group of diseases that are the result of inflammation of the skin. The inflammation is a reaction of the immune system to a complex series of factors. These include the genes you inherit and external elements such as the climate and the food you eat.

There are many different forms of eczema; they can affect any age group, and their pattern and severity differs from individual to individual.

Eczematous skin tends to be red and scaly, sometimes with small blisters. It is intensely itchy and scratching can cause bleeding and infection.

Eczema is the commonest type of skin disease seen by doctors, and your doctor or pharmacist will be able to give you more detailed information on the disease. Here is some brief information about some of the more common types of eczema.

Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is thought to be hereditary as there is often a family history of atopic allergy (eczema, asthma or hayfever). Approximately 60% of sufferers develop atopic eczema before the age of one year but fortunately most grow out of it by the age of 16. However the inherited tendency to eczema never goes away and it can return in later life. The natural course of the disease is that it flares up and then dies down from one week to the next, often affecting the wrists, ankles and behind the knees. The intense itch disturbs sleep and results in skin damage by scratching which can lead to secondary bacterial infection. The aim of treatment is to stop the skin flaring and keep the condition under control.

Contact Dermatitis

There are two types of contact dermatitis - irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. As the name suggests, the individual will have come into contact with external irritant which has caused the eczema.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis generally develops over a long period of time as a result of regular contact with a substance. It is the body's immune system reacting against the substance that causes the eczema. Typical substances a person can become allergic to are perfume, make up, and the nickel in costume jewellery.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis usually affects adults and is due to contact with irritants to the skin, commonly on the hands. Household detergents and chemicals used around the home or the workplace are the main culprits. New mothers often develop this type of eczema; the arrival of a new baby inevitably leads to more frequent hand washing. Hair dressers are also prone because their hands are frequently in water and in contact with chemicals in shampoos and hair dyes.

Seborrhoeic Eczema

This can affect adults or babies. In babies it is more commonly referred to as cradle cap and can be found in the scalp and nappy areas. Unlike atopic eczema, although it looks bad, it is not sore or itchy and generally clears up from the age of one onwards.

In adults, men are more susceptible; it usually affects the 20-40 year old age group. It causes redness and scaling of the skin. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrhoeic eczema. It can also involve the face, the eyelids and the eyebrows. This type of eczema is usually associated with yeast growth.

Varicose Eczema

This is more common in women than men and tends to develop in later life due to poor circulation. It may be associated with varicose veins. It affects the lower legs and ankles and leads to increased risk of ulceration in those areas.

Discoid Eczema

The cause of discoid eczema is unknown. It usually affects adults, often in later life. The affected skin appears like coin shaped red scaly patches usually on the lower legs.

Is eczema contagious?

No. Although eczema looks unpleasant, you cannot catch it or spread it by touching.

What causes eczema?

Eczema is a very complex condition and there is rarely one single cause for a person’s eczema. It is usually a combination of the inherited tendency and a trigger factor.

External trigger factors include house dust mites, contact with pets, climate, or the dyes in synthetic fibres. Stress, and occasionally diet can also have an effect.

Is there a cure?

Currently there is no cure for eczema. By following a good skin routine with emollients and appropriate medical care the effects of eczema can be managed and controlled.

Facts about Eczema

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Category: Eczema, Skin Disorders

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