What is Atopic Eczema?
You may be wondering, what is atopic eczema? Afterall, atopic eczema is the most common type of eczema found in people, and is usually the one that is referred to generally by the public and online physicians. Fortunately for you, this article will go into depth about atopic eczema, focusing in only on this particular kind of eczema. Now I must warn you, this article may get a little technical, just stay with me if you can. If you feel your eyes glazing over, just skip to the bottom for a summary.
Atopic Eczema Characteristics
Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronically relapsing and inflammatory, but non contagious skin disorder. The skin of one who has atopic eczema is susceptible to trigger foods, allergens, and other irritants. It often occurs in conjunction with other atopic diseases (atopic, according to Wikipedia, means having a predisposition toward developing certain allergic hypersensitivity reactions). Examples of other atopic diseases include asthma and hay fever. Atopic eczema usually runs in a family with a history of atopic diseases. Though typically found in human children, atopic eczema can also be found in dogs. In some cases, atopic dermatitis is sometimes mistaken for psoriasis, usually in older children and adults.
Atopic eczema usually starts in early childhood (before the age of 5) as opposed to later on in a person’s life. Children afflicted with atopic eczema may “grow out of it”, however. 75% of children show improvement from their symptoms of atopic dermatitis by the time they reach adolescence. Unfortunately, the remaining 25% will continue to have complications throughout their lifetime. In all children, though, you may find that there are periods of time where eczema will breakout, and other times where it will subside, lasting as long as several years. In infants, atopic dermatitis is referred to as infantile eczema, or more informally, baby eczema.
It is not uncommon for atopic eczema to appear in lesions anywhere on the body. However, common areas where it will develop include the hands and feet, as well as the chest, neck, and on wrists and ankles. It may also appear around the eyes, such as on the eyelids.
Atopic Eczema Symptoms
Displays how eczema can vary with age
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis vary from one individual to the next. The more common symptoms will usually reflect an inflamed, red or brownish grey itching rash, and is typically more sensitive than healthy skin. This can develop into raised, painful bumps very quickly. If these bumps are scratched, they cause crusting or oozing, and will only cause the rash to become further inflamed. The skin may also thicken, and appear scaly or cracked. Itching may worsen during the night. If signs of eczema show around the eyes, scratching in this area may create patches of lost eyebrow hair or eyelashes.
Symptoms also vary with age. In infants and young children, eczema may appear on the cheeks, neck, arms and legs as a red, scaling, oozing or crusty rash. Older children will have dry, thick scaly skin which becomes very itchy compared to that found in infants. Adolescents may develop thick, dull colored leathery rashes around or on the face, neck, hands, fingers, feet and toes.
Atopic Eczema Causes
There are several possible causes of atopic eczema. It is often inherited, but there are also factors that may cause its aggrevation. These causes may be related to the following.
Allergies
Usually found in people with a family history of allergens, or who have these themselves. Such allergies include asthma, hay fever, and allergic conjunctivitis. It may be influenced by negative reactions in the immune system, such as stress and fatigue.
Food Triggers and Food Allergies
What a person consumes as part of their diet may be a link in what aggravates their eczema. Common food triggers include nuts, acidic fruits, eggs, milk and cheese, wheat, shellfish and artificial additives.
Histamine Intolerance
Foods that contain histamine are another subset of trigger foods different from those found in a typical food allergy. These foods include cheese, eggplant, tomatoes, spinach, shellfish, alcohol and fermented foods. 33% of those with atopic eczema see their symptoms improve simply by cutting out foods that contain histamine.
Microwave Radiation
Cell phones and microwave ovens are linked to an increased risk of eczema. those who are electrohypersensitive will develop an increased amount of mast cells within the skin. Mast cell activation will occur in children with eczema as well.
Topical Steroid Creams
The use of the creams that were meant to heal can in fact make the eczema worse. When this occurs, by ceasing to use the same treatments, those afflicted with eczema will find that they actually begin to heal.
Other aggravations include cigarette smoke, dry skin, dust, sand, low humity, sweating, and Staph infection. Conditions can be made worse by using harsh irritants such as detergents and cleansers, wool clothing, and even taking long baths or showers.
Biological causes of eczema include Epidermal Barrier Dysfunction and genetics.
A Summary about Atopic Eczema
Let’s go over the key points of atopic eczema once more. Previously, we took a look at the characteristics, symptoms, and causes related to atopic eczema. Here’s what we know:
- Atopic eczema is also referred to as atopic dermatitis.
- It is a familial disease, and usually occurs alongside other atopic diseases.
- It usually occurs in infants and young children under the age of five.
- 75% of children affected with atopic eczema will show signs of improvement beyond adolescence.
- It usually appears as a red, inflamed and itchy rash.
- Scratching inflamed sores may cause crusting or oozing, and will worsen the condition.
- Symptoms of eczema differ from person to person, and varies with age.
- It can be aggravated by foods, allergies, topical steroid creams and microwave radiation among other factors, including cigarette smoke, dust, stress and fatigue.
You now know just about everything you really need to know about atopic eczema. Do any of the causes and symptoms seem familiar to you? While we always recommend seeing a dermatologist, we’ll also provide you with information on eczema treatment and solutions. But I think this article has run long enough. Keep reading along, and stay smart about eczema.
References:
PubMed Health for the clarification of some causes.
Tags: atopic eczema, baby eczema, eczema, infant eczema, infantile eczema, what is eczema
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