Eczema is a broad term that refers to a range of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. There are several types of eczema and the most common is called atopic dermatitis. Atopic refers to the lifelong tendency to develop allergic conditions including asthma and hay fever. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, atopic eczema affects nine to thirty percent of the population of the United States and it is particularly common in young children and in infants. The disease can be controlled with timely and targeted treatment.


Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of eczema is unknown but the condition is believed to be triggered by the body’s reaction to allergens, irritants, or parasites. It is also considered to be hereditary because individuals with a family history of eczema or of allergic conditions such as asthma are more likely to develop this condition. Eczema typically appears when an individual is exposed to irritants such as detergents, soaps, jewelry (particularly nickel based), seasonal changes (including extreme weather conditions), cosmetics, fabric (synthetic or natural), stress, handling of food that one is allergic to, perspiration, and chemicals. Illnesses that are related to the upper respiratory tract including asthma, common cold, and cough can also incite eczema. This is not a contagious condition and most individuals learn to manage eczema by avoiding irritants and by following prescribed medications.