Eczema is an allergic skin disorder. It is chronic illness, and affects the skin of the hands, scalp, face, back of the neck, or skin creases of elbows and knees. It may begin between ages 1 month and 1 year and usually subsides somewhat by age 3, but recurrence is common. There are a number of types of eczema. They include atopic eczema, which tends to occur in people who have a tendency toward allergies. It is also common in babies. Nummular eczema, which is seen in adults, does not have a clear etiology. Hand eczema results from irritation by a substance.
Causes of Eczema
The exact etiology for eczema is not known However, people who develop eczema often will demonstrate allergic reactions to a wide variety of things, including foods such as eggs, wheat, milk or seafood. Similar allergic reactions can also arise from wool clothing, skin lotions, ointments, soaps, detergents, cleansers, plants, tanning agents used for shoe leather, dyes, and topical medications.
Signs and Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema tends to produce similar symptoms in most people that are affected by it. These symptoms most commonly include itching, which at times may be intense. Small blisters develop on the affected skin. These blisters may ooze. Since this disease process is chronic, it often leads to thickening of the involved skin. This skin usually has some degree of scaling.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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