Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) 1
Eczema is the most common skin condition, especially in children. It affects one in five infants but only around one in fifty adults. It is now thought to be due to “leakiness” of the skin barrier, which causes it to dry out and become prone to irritation and inflammation by many environmental factors. Also, some people with eczema have a food sensitivity which can make eczema symptoms worse. In about half of patients with severe atopic dermatitis, the disease is due to inheritance of a faulty gene in their skin called filaggrin. Unlike with urticaria (hives), the itch of eczema is not only caused by histamine so anti-histamines may not control the symptoms. Eczema is often linked with asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or food allergy. This order of progression is called the atopic march.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis 1
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in direct contact with an allergen. For instance, if you have a nickel allergy and your skin comes in contact with jewellery made with even a very small amount of nickel, you may develop red, bumpy, scaly, itchy or swollen skin at the point of contact.
Psychological Abnormalities
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology had shown children who suffered from eczema during the first two year of life were more likely to demonstrate psychological abnormalities, in particular emotional problems. Eczema on facial or exposed areas of the body affects one’s appearance which might influence one’s confidence level. Moreover, eczema might lead to sleep disorders and an increased chance of developing allergic rhinitis and asthma.
1American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
