"Atopic eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin
condition characterized by dry, itchy, and sore skin. The term 'eczema'
originates from the Greek word 'ekzein,' meaning 'to boil out.' This condition
affects both children and adults, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Common
symptoms include skin irritation, redness, cracking, and dryness. It's a
recurring skin issue, with a significant diagnosis rate in European clinical
settings.
While eczema patches can develop anywhere on the body, they tend
to appear most frequently on the hands, feet, arms, behind the knees, wrists,
face, neck, and upper chest. Some individuals experience symptoms around the
eyes, potentially leading to eyebrow and eyelash hair loss. In children,
symptoms often manifest on the face.
The severity of eczema varies, with mild cases showing small areas
of dry, occasionally itchy skin, and severe cases resulting in extensive
dryness and persistent itching. The condition typically starts with a burning
itch, followed by scratching, which worsens the itching and can lead to skin
damage.
Infants with eczema may experience sleep disturbances and
difficulty concentrating in school.
Eczema symptoms tend to worsen in response to factors like hot
baths, dry skin, mental stress, sweating, dust, cigarette smoke, dry air, and
temperature changes. Some soaps, solvents, detergents, and ingredients in hair
care products can act as potent allergens.
While the exact link between mental stress and worsening eczema
symptoms isn't fully understood, stress can exacerbate the condition.
Individuals with eczema often notice that their symptoms worsen in winter,
despite pollen being a significant trigger.
To manage eczema, identifying and avoiding triggers is crucial.
Parents should educate their children about these triggers and help them adopt
preventive measures, like wearing natural fiber clothing such as cotton.
Avoiding scratching, though a natural response to itching is essential, as it
worsens symptoms and increases the risk of infection. Children may benefit from
short, clean nails and anti-scratch mittens.
Eczema is believed to have a genetic component, but it can worsen
due to environmental factors like pollen and internal factors like hormonal
changes and stress. While there's no permanent cure, various treatments focus
on symptom relief and trigger avoidance, significantly improving the patient's
quality of life."
