If you are suffering with atopic eczema, then here’s what you need to know in order to manage and treat this skin disease. We will look at the possible causes of atopic eczema , what the signs and symptoms are, and finally how you can manage and treat this problem. By understanding the causes of atopic eczema, you can avoid potential triggers and live a happy, healthy and itch-free life.

So, what is atopic eczema and what are the possible causes? Atopic eczema is a non-contagious allergic skin condition, usually chronic in nature. It is estimated that between 15 to 20% of children worldwide suffer with atopic eczema. Most children develop atopic eczema in infancy, but tend to grow out of it by the age of two or three. However, in many cases the condition can carry on well into teenage years and adulthood.

Even though the causes of atopic eczema are not really understood, there are definite hereditary and environmental factors at play. It seems that children can inherit a susceptibility to eczema from their parents, especially if the parents suffer with hay fever and asthma. Exposure to environmental allergens such as dust mites, pollens, cigarette smoke, animal fur and dander is the most common cause of atopic eczema in many children. Not only that, we are surrounded every day by other potential environmental triggers including chemicals in household cleaners and toiletries.

Other factors such as food allergies, emotional stress and climate can all aggravate the condition and make it worse.

Now that you know the causes of atopic eczema, how do you identify it? Well, the first sign of atopic eczema is often a red rash on the cheeks, forehead and scalp. This frequently becomes blistered and weepy before drying out and crusting over. The rash can also spread to other areas including the creases of elbows and wrists, back of knees, ankles, behind the ears, between the thighs and on the buttocks. Unfortunately, the skin can become intensely itchy causing scratching and possible damage to the skin. In severely affected areas the skin can become rough and thick.

The next step is to be able to treat and manage the symptoms of atopic eczema. Eczema cannot be cured, but can be treated and managed. Conventional treatment aims at protecting the skin, reducing inflammation and identifying possible triggers. The most commonly prescribed treatments are topical steroids to treat inflammation, antihistamines to reduce itching and antibiotics for any bacterial infection.

Moisturizing the skin is extremely important because people with eczema tend to have very dry skin. Dry skin can flare-up and become inflamed. Keeping the skin moisturized can protect the skin and avoid any potential problems.

Finally, but probably most importantly, it is vital that you avoid any potential allergens. Try to reduce the amount of harmful chemicals that you use in your home in everyday household products. Make sure you use non-perfumed and hypoallergenic products for your skin. Find out what foods cause an allergic reaction and try to avoid them.

To reiterate, once your have eczema, it cannot be cured. But now that you understand what causes eczema, you can avoid these potential triggers and live a life free from itching and skin irritation.