WHAT IS ECZEMA?

Atopic dermatitis, atopic eczema  or eczema causes skin to become itchy and irritated, flaring up in a condition that’s particularly common among 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

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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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.