Eczema is a chronic and complex itchy skin condition. But it is more than just a skin condition. For those living with eczema, it can vary from a mild to moderate itch to an extremely itchy, painful and debilitating condition, with huge effects on quality of life. It can look very different in babies/children and teens/adults. It also looks different in skin of colour.
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Babies with eczema often have inflammation (flare ups) around the face and neck area. Children with eczema often have dry skin. The flexures are usually affected, including the knees, elbows and the skin of the neck. Eczema can look different on different skin tones.
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Eczema in teenagers is not often discussed. It can be difficult to navigate through the mental, emotional and physical affects of eczema. Information and support at this stage of life is important.
Some people have lifelong disease, others may not develop the symptoms until adulthood. It can be localised or widespread, and it may be severe and difficult to treat. Even if the eczema/atopic dermatitis is confined to just the hands, the impact on quality of life is huge.
causes
Eczema can be influenced by genetics (runs in the family) and/or environmental factors (external triggers). Eczema is NOT contagious. Atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema) is an autoimmune disease caused by an overactive immune system, resulting in inflammation.
One of the main problems is that people with atopic dermatitis have a defective skin barrier. This skin is less able to protect a person from irritants and allergens. It can lead to increased bacterial or viral infections which in turn can contribute to eczema flare ups.
Eczema is a chronic skin condition but, as the saying goes, one size does not fit all. While common symptoms include dry, scaly skin, redness and itchiness that may be intense, there are in fact seven different types of eczema, all of which have their own unique characteristics and triggers.
Download Information SheetThe triggers of eczema are often different for each individual. It can be extremely frustrating as you try to work out the cause of each flare up.
Avoiding triggers and controlling flare ups/inflammation are ways in which you can manage your condition. But there is rarely just one trigger that will be responsible.
(seek doctors/allergist/immunologist advice before eliminating foods)
e.g. coarse, scratchy wool, synthetic materials like polyester, tags, on clothing
such as soaps and detergents.
can both seriously aggravate eczema. Herpes simplex (cold sores) may become widespread and require hospitalisation.
associated with sweating
which cause allergic contact dermatitis such as perfume, preservatives in skincare products, metals such as nickel and many other.
if there is an allergy to household dust mite.
Eczema is a chronic and complex itchy skin condition. But it is more than just a skin condition. For those living with eczema, it can vary from a mild to moderate itch to an extremely itchy, painful and debilitating condition, with huge effects on quality of life. There are different types of eczema, the most common being atopic eczema.
Visit the Eczema Resource Library to learn more.
