Eczema is a common skin problem. If you have eczema or think you might have it, here's how to deal with it.
Some Skin Facts
Your skin, which protects your organs, muscles, and bones and
regulates your body temperature, can run into plenty of trouble. Acne
occurs when your pores become clogged. But zits aren't the only skin
problem you may encounter. Have you ever tried a new type of soap and
developed an itchy rash? That reaction may just be eczema in action.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema (pronounced:
ek-zeh-ma) is a
group of skin conditions that cause skin to become red, irritated,
itchy, and sometimes develop small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist
and ooze.
There are many forms of eczema, but
atopic (pronounced: ay
-tah-pik)
eczema is one of the most common and severe. Doctors don't know exactly what causes atopic eczema, also called
atopic dermatitis (pronounced: der-muh-
tie-tis),
but they think it could be a difference in the way a person's immune
system reacts to things. Skin allergies may be involved in some forms of
eczema.
If you have eczema, you're probably not the only person you know who
has it. Eczema isn't contagious like a cold, but most people with eczema
have family members with the condition. Researchers think it's
inherited or passed through the genes. In general, eczema is fairly
common — approximately 1 in 10 people in the world will be affected by
it at some point in their lives.
People with eczema also may have asthma and certain allergies, such
as hay fever. For some, food allergies (such as allergies to cow's milk,
soy, eggs, fish, or wheat) may bring on or worsen eczema. Allergies to
animal dander, rough fabrics, and dust may also trigger the condition in
some people.
