Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is an itchy skin condition that is very common in babies and children. In fact, as many as 15-20% of children under the age of 7 have eczema; a figure that has skyrocketed over the past 30 years. In 50% of cases, atopic dermatitis resolves by the age of 5, but it may persist into adolescence and adulthood.*
*Source: CHU Nantes, unity of cancérology & dermatology, spécialisation atopic dermatitis, april 2015
In babies, eczema causes rough, flaky red patches particularly on the cheeks and chin. In older children and adults the eczema patches become located mainly on the neck and in the skin folds around the elbows, wrists and behind the knees. Eczema patches can have scratch marks and may bleed. Blisters can also form and ooze. Over time, the skin can become thickened and leathery.
Eczema is a genetic condition that runs in families. The skin is "constitutionally" dry and defective. It has a weakened barrier against allergens and irritants, allowing them to penetrate skin and cause inflammation. In adults, eczema can be caused by professions that involve frequent hand washing (hairdressing, nursing...). Environmental triggers for eczema include house dust mite.
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Yes! Itching or pruritus is one of the primary features of eczema. The skin’s surface barrier is defective, meaning allergens and irritants can penetrate deeply, causing inflammation and release of the itch molecule histamine. Dry itchy eczema can be treated with soap substitutes and twice daily emollient application using a product that rebalances skin’s friendly bacteria.
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Eczema is not an allergy, it is an atopic condition. In other words, it is associated with allergies and other atopic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. In eczema, the skin’s protective barrier is defective, allowing allergens and irritants to penetrate deeply and cause inflammation, resulting in the symptoms of eczema (itching, redness, dry patches, etc.).
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Eczema is a hereditary condition that runs in families. The skin does not produce enough oily substances to protect itself, leaving it vulnerable and open to attack from allergens and irritants. This causes the skin to lose water, becoming dry and itchy, often on the cheeks, chin and joints. Most children outgrow eczema by school age, but it can persist into adulthood in some cases.
