WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema is an itchy skin condition that is very common in babies and children. In fact, as many as 15-20% of children under the age of 7 have eczema; a figure that has skyrocketed over the past 30 years. In 50% of cases, atopic dermatitis resolves by the age of 5, but it may persist into adolescence and adulthood.*

*Source: CHU Nantes, unity of cancérology & dermatology, spécialisation atopic dermatitis, april 2015

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OUR ANSWERS

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What does eczema look like?

In babies, eczema causes rough, flaky red patches particularly on the cheeks and chin. In older children and adults the eczema patches become located mainly on the neck and in the skin folds around the elbows, wrists and behind the knees. Eczema patches can have scratch marks and may bleed. Blisters can also form and ooze. Over time, the skin can become thickened and leathery.


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How do you get eczema?

Eczema is a genetic condition that runs in families. The skin is "constitutionally" dry and defective. It has a weakened barrier against allergens and irritants, allowing them to penetrate skin and cause inflammation. In adults, eczema can be caused by professions that involve frequent hand washing (hairdressing, nursing...). Environmental triggers for eczema include house dust mite.

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Is eczema itchy?

Yes! Itching or pruritus is one of the primary features of eczema. The skin’s surface barrier is defective, meaning allergens and irritants can penetrate deeply, causing inflammation and release of the itch molecule histamine. Dry itchy eczema can be treated with soap substitutes and twice daily emollient application using a product that rebalances skin’s friendly bacteria.

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Is eczema an allergy?

Eczema is not an allergy, it is an atopic condition. In other words, it is associated with allergies and other atopic conditions such as asthma and hay fever. In eczema, the skin’s protective barrier is defective, allowing allergens and irritants to penetrate deeply and cause inflammation, resulting in the symptoms of eczema (itching, redness, dry patches, etc.).

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What causes eczema in babies?

Eczema is a hereditary condition that runs in families. The skin does not produce enough oily substances to protect itself, leaving it vulnerable and open to attack from allergens and irritants. This causes the skin to lose water, becoming dry and itchy, often on the cheeks, chin and joints. Most children outgrow eczema by school age, but it can persist into adulthood in some cases.


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WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA TO FLARE UP?

Atopic dermatitis and eczema are skin conditions that occur when the skin doesn’t secret sufficient surface lipids – or the skin’s natural moisturizers – so it becomes “constitutionally” dry and defective. As a result, some allergens and irritants - think harsh laundry detergents or house dust mite - may penetrate the skin, where they cause itching and inflammation. 

Eczema flare ups can not only feel itchy, but often appears as angry looking red patches of skin. It commonly occurs on the face of babies, on the scalp of the babies, and in the skin folds around the elbows, wrists and knees in older children.

ECZEMA VS DERMATITIS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

If you are atopic, this means you have a genetic predisposition to developing allergies. Eczema often goes hand in hand with other “atopic” or “allergic” conditions like hay fever and asthma, as well as food allergies. Like eczema, the prevalence of atopy is rising sharply. In 1960, atopy affected 5-10% of the population whereas today that figure is more like 10-20%.

ECZEMA SYMPTOMS TREATMENT 

Eczema flare ups on the face, including eyelids , hands, scalp and body therefore have complex causes and represent much more than just a skin condition. Treatments that relieve chronic symptoms from eczema as itching (or “pruritus”) can help children concentrate at school when they’re repeatedly distracted by needing to scratch. Similarly at night, eczema symptoms treatments can make for better sleep and lessen anxiety for both parents and children. 

Luckily, expert help is at hand in the pharmacy. Swipe to learn all about the top eczema symptoms treatments (and lifestyle hacks) like Lipikar Eczema Med, a medical device that can rapidly relieve the irritation, inflammation, itchiness and redness  during flare-ups. 

In the subsections below, you’ll also find information about what causes atopic eczema prone skin and how to prevent it, as well as a dedicated section on atopic eczema in babies and children explaining how to stay on top of atopy at school, during sport and at bedtime too.

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BABIES
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WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?

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The information displayed here is intended for general educational purposes only and should not in any case be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any medical question.