Eczema is a common skin condition that affects million of people every year. However, children and babies are more likely to have eczema than adults. Studies estimate that about 10 % to 20 % of all newborns are affected by this disease in the USA, and only 3 % of the adult population.
And sadly, there is no known cure.
If you happen to be in the unlucky group, you might be scratching your head what to do. And not only your head, if you get what I mean.
Doctors treat eczema with lotions and creams to keep your skin moist, but there are many effective home …show more content…
What causes eczema?
When most people use the word “eczema”, they usually mean any rash-like skin condition. When professionals use this word, they mean atopic dermatitis. (Dermatitis means inflammation, while atopic means predisposition to certain allergic diseases.) This is a skin condition that usually appears in infancy and childhood.
However, if you didn’t have eczema as a child, it doesn’t mean that you’re safe. Atopic dermatitis can also start in adulthood.
But what causes it, you ask? Sadly, doctors are not sure who the culprit behind the atopic eczema is. Most specialists believe that eczema appears due to a combination of factors:
- Genetic. For example, if you had eczema as a child, it’s likely that your child will also develop it. If both parents happen to have an atopic disease like asthma or hey fever, the chances are greater.
- Overreaction of the immune system to an irritant.
- Defects in the skin barrier.
- Environment.
Common triggers that can lead to a flare-up of eczema include:
- Dry skin. If your skin doesn’t retain enough moisture, it’s more susceptible to