Eczema

Eczema = Dermatitis = Inflammation of the Skin Dermatitis and eczema are both Greek words meaning inflammation of the skin. In cases of eczema and dermatitis the skin can flare-up and become one or all of the following: dry, scaly, itchy, red and hot. There are two main types of eczema: Atopic eczema and Contact dermatitis. Atopic eczema is an immunological reaction and that is why a child or adult with atopic eczema will often have asthma and allergies. Atopic eczema is often inherited. Atopic eczema is more common in children than adults. An adult who had Atopic eczema as a child is likely to continue to have sensitive skin in adulthood and be extra reactive and prone to flare-up of eczema symptoms. Atopic eczema appears between 3 and 12 months of age and may persist into the teens but most children get better earlier than this. The most common places where eczema occurs are body-flexing points such as elbows, knees, wrists, ankles and around the neck. The face and scalp may be affected and in some chronic cases the whole body can be affected by eczema.

If you are worried you or your child has eczema or allergies, please visit your local medical doctor for medical diagnosis and treatment.