ECZEMA SYMPTOMS, CAUSES & TREATMENTS

Eczema is a condition where the skin becomes dry, irritated, very itchy and therefore sore, bleeding, red and scaly when scratched. It can be very painful for children, so here’s a run down of the condition and how to treat it.

Eczema is a condition that exists in different forms, with the most common being atopic dermatitis.

The symptoms of eczema include:

Dry, itchy skin

Redness, bumpy, scaly skin, that can leak fluid and form a hard, dry scab that is prone to cracking

Intermittent flare-ups

Possibly more of a problem at night

It is not known exactly what causes eczema, but one theory is that the condition might occur because of a difference in the way a person’s immune system reacts to things. Skin allergies may be involved in some forms of eczema. Eczema is fairly common and experts believe it is passed from parents to kids through genes, which is why many kids with the condition also have family members who have it too.

People with eczema also may have asthma and other types of allergies, such as hay fever. Eczema, asthma and hay fever are known as ‘atopic’ conditions and they affect people who are overly sensitive to allergens in the environment. For some, food allergies may either spark these reactions, or worsen them. For others, allergies to pet hair, household dust, pollen or other things might be the triggers. Either way, eczema is not contagious.

Eczema in babies and children

In babies under the age of one, eczema usually flares up on their cheeks, forehead or scalp. In many cases, it also appears on their knees, elbows and torso.