Learning About Eczema Symptoms And Causes

Eczema, which is also known as dermatitis, is a general term that actually represents several different varieties of skin conditions or inflammation. While there are several different forms, the most common is called atopic dermatitis. These conditions are not biased toward any specific age groups, nor are they contagious. However, there are some eczema symptoms that can help to indicate certain forms and causes.

Dermatitis is a non-contagious skin condition that can start at the early stages of infancy, or it can sprout up later in life. While it is most common in infants and 85% of people will have onset before 5 years of age, it generally is a matter that will resolve itself in young children, often by the time they reach 3 years of age in about half of those children who are affected.

There are many types of eczema. In some cases, the condition will reoccur even past the stages of infancy and in later years. However, it has also been shown that many individuals who suffer from eczema also have a family history of the condition, possible allergies, or hay fever and asthma. While the condition can impact all and any races, it has been shown to be more common amongst girls than boys, with statistics of at least 20% of children being affected, and 1% to 2% of adults.

Although medical professional do not know the exact causes for dermatitis, it is commonly believed to be a defect of a person's skin, impairing its overall function to work as a protective barrier. Problems with the immune system can also be a part of the reason, combining with lack of barrier protection of the skin.

Hereditary genes may factor into dermatitis problems, where gene defects may possibly be carried throughout a family's history, causing abnormalities within specific proteins that help play a crucial role in the skin's health. However, other forms of eczema such as contact dermatitis may also be due to allergic reactions or skin irritation from harsh products and chemicals. It can also be brought on by certain types of jewelry, laundry detergents, certain soaps, sweating and also clothing. Changes in one's emotions can trigger the condition, as well as changes within the humidity or weather in general.

Eczema symptoms can often vary from person to person, although the most commonly seen problems may include dry skin or redness, feelings of burning or itching, scaliness, and oozing blisters. Itching is most often a sign of eczema, while more severe cases of scratching or irritation may result in oozing or hard and thickened skin.

Eczema symptoms generally occur along the neck, face, knees, ankles, inner elbows and occasionally the feet and hands. Children often experience signs around the cheeks, forearms, scalp, legs and neck. In some cases, symptoms may deteriorate within a few days or even a few hours, although many with chronic dermatitis will see persistent or reoccurring symptoms throughout their lives. Fortunately, there are treatments and methods for prevention available in order to relieve symptoms or to help manage them.