Eczema
Causes
Atopic eczema is likely to be caused by a combination of things.
People with atopic eczema often have very dry skin because their skin is unable to retain much moisture. This dryness may make the skin more likely to react to certain triggers, causing it to become red and itchy.
You may be born with an increased likelihood of developing atopic eczema because of the genes you inherit from your parents.
Research has shown children who have one or both parents with atopic eczema, or who have other siblings with eczema, are more likely to develop it themselves.
Atopic eczema isn't infectious, so it can't be passed on through close contact.
Eczema triggers
There are a number of things that may trigger your eczema symptoms. These can vary from person to person.
Commontriggers include:
- irritantssuch assoaps and detergents, including shampoo, washing up liquidand bubble bath
- environmental factors or Indoor allergy such as cold and dry weather, dampness, and more specific things such as house dust mites, pet fur, pollen and moulds
- food allergies such as allergies tocows' milk, eggs, peanuts, soya or wheat
- certain materials worn next to the skin such as wool and synthetic fabrics
- hormonal changes women may find their symptoms get worse in the days before their period or during pregnancy
- skin infections
Some people also report their symptoms get worse when the air is dry or dusty, or when they are stressed, sweaty, or too hot or too cold.
If you're diagnosed with atopic eczema, your GP will work with you to try to identify any triggers for your symptoms.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 15 Dec 2016
Introduction
Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the most common form of eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked. Atopic eczema is more common in children, often developing before their first birthday.
Symptoms
Atopic eczema causes areas of skin to become itchy, dry, cracked, sore and red. The severity of atopic eczema can vary a lot from person to person. People with mild eczema may only have small areas of dry skin that are occasionally itchy.
Causes
People with atopic eczema often have very dry skin because their skin is unable to retain much moisture. This dryness may make the skin more likely to react to certain triggers, causing it to become red and itchy.
Treatment
Treatments for atopic eczema can help to ease the symptoms. There's no cure, but many children find their symptoms naturally improve as they get older.
Complications
People with atopic eczema can sometimes develop further physical and psychological problems. As atopic eczema can cause your skin to become cracked and broken, there's a risk of the skin becoming infected with bacteria.
Patient story: "I hope she'll grow out of the eczema."
Ruby was diagnosed with eczema at six weeks old. Her mum, Daniella, explains how they've learned to cope with Ruby's condition.
Patient story: "A lot of things work for a while, then lose their effectiveness."
Battling against eczema since he was a baby, John Fuller has tried just about every treatment option available. John is resigned to living with his condition, but he still has hope.
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