Eczema is a form of dermatitis and is a name given to a range of persistent skin conditions. Eczema often presents as dry, red and itchy skin and can be characterized by one or more of these symptoms:
Types of Eczema There are a number of different categories of eczema with the two most common being atopic eczema and contact dermatitis.
Atopic eczema is an allergic disease believed to have a hereditary component and is commonly found in families with a history of eczema, asthma or hay fever. It manifests as a dry, itchy rash and is mostly noticeable on the inside of elbows, behind the knees, neck, head and scalp and the buttocks. It is caused by a combination of genetics and contact with a variety of allergens, such as:
- Redness
- Skin edema (swelling)
- Itchiness
- Dryness
- Flakiness
- Blistering
- Cracking and/or bleeding of the skin
- Weeping or oozing
Types of Eczema There are a number of different categories of eczema with the two most common being atopic eczema and contact dermatitis.
Atopic eczema is an allergic disease believed to have a hereditary component and is commonly found in families with a history of eczema, asthma or hay fever. It manifests as a dry, itchy rash and is mostly noticeable on the inside of elbows, behind the knees, neck, head and scalp and the buttocks. It is caused by a combination of genetics and contact with a variety of allergens, such as:
- Food allergy, especially to cow’s milk, eggs and peanuts in particular for infants
- House dust mites for older children and adults