Eczema.
Eczema is a persistent chronic non contagious, dermatologic condition  resulting in dry, inflamed, flaky, red, discharging, bleeding and severely itchy skin. Although numerous different types of eczema have been identified, atopic dermatitis is by far the most common one. As a matter of fact, the terms eczema and atopic dermatitis are very often used as synonyms. The word “atopic” denotes a relationship to allergy which may result in reactions, like hey fever or respiratory conditions, such as asthma. Other types of eczema include seborrhoeic dermatitis, pompholyx or vesicular eczema, contact dermatitis, eczema vaccinatum, neurodermatitis and many more.
The disease can take place in any part of the skin but it is typically found on the face and the areas around joints, such as elbows, wrists, knees and ankles. Eczema may occur at any age, including toddlers and infants. In most of the latest cases of eczema, the problem is of allergic origin and the replacement of any cow milk given with a soy-derived counterpart may resolve it. Typically, eczema, which happens at very young ages, subsides and eventually disappears. Statistics show that breastfeeding that it is continued beyond the first six months, can prevent the occurrence of eczema or minimize the symptoms.
In many cases of eczema, regardless the age, the disease is characterized by periodic abatements and new flare-ups. Eczema usually improves during spring or summer and it worsens over the rest half of the year.
Causes and risk factors for eczema.
The precise causes of eczema remain unknown. However, certain risk factors have been identified. The latest include tendency to allergic reactions, varicose veins, stress, prolonged presence of friction, heat, cold or moisture on the skin, dust, pollen, close proximity to pets, cigarette smoke, medications, detergents, soaps, solvents, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, bacterial, fungal or viral skin infections and the consumption of certain foods, such as nuts, diary products, eggs and shellfish. Not all of these risk factors apply to a person being prone to eczema and more conditions or materials, which are not mentioned above may trigger the onset of the skin disorder. In many cases, there is a hereditary predisposition to eczema, since the problem seems to run in families.
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