WHAT IS ECZEMA?
Atopic dermatitis (commonly known as eczema) is an inherited, chronic inflammatory skin condition that effects one in three Australians at some time during their lives. Patches of skin become red, scaly and itchy. Sometimes, tiny blisters containing clear fluid can form and the affected areas of skin can weep. Weeping is a sign that the dermatitis has become infected, usually with the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (‘golden staph’), however eczema is not contagious. People who have eczema have a different genetic makeup, meaning their body does not make as much of the oils and fats that are needed to protect the skin from moisture escaping and things that irritate the skin from entering.
Atopic dermatitis usually occurs in people who have an 'atopic tendency'. This means they may develop any or all of three closely linked conditions; atopic dermatitis, asthma and hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Often these conditions run within families with a parent, child or sibling also affected. A family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever is particularly useful in diagnosing atopic dermatitis in infants.
Although eczema affects all ages, it usually appears in early childhood (in babies between two-to-six months of age) and disappears around six years of age. In fact, more than half of all eczema sufferers show signs within their first 12 months of life and 20 per cent of people develop eczema before the age of five.
Most children grow out of the condition, but a small percentage may experience severe eczema into adulthood. The condition can not only affect the individual sufferer, but also their family and friends. Adult onset eczema is often very difficult to treat and may be caused by other factors such as medications.
In people with eczema the skin does not retain moisture very well, which causes it to dry out easily. This makes the skin more open to allergens and irritants. These can trigger the skin to release chemicals that make the skin itchy. Scratching itchy skin causes more chemicals to be released, making the skin feel itchier. This scratch and itch cycle can cause discomfort, disrupt sleep and affect quality of life. It is therefore important to keep skin that is prone to eczema well hydrated, by moisturising the skin every day.
ALLERGENS
Allergens are substances that trigger an allergic reaction, which may include sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a stuffed or runny nose. Allergens may include dust mites, mould, grasses, plant pollens, pets.
Dust mites are one of the most common triggers. They are small, microscopic organisms which are typically found indoors (mattresses, pillows, carpet) and are typically in areas of high humidty.