How Does Eczema Develop?
-
The Causes of Eczema
-
Eczema is a rather broad medical term that refers to a wide range of more specific skin conditions. In general, almost any disease or disorder that causes chronic or intermittently occurring skin dryness or rashes may be considered a form of eczema. Because it is such a general term and because there are so many diagnoses that fit underneath the eczema umbrella, the exact causes depend on the exact type of skin disorder. For many types of eczema, the exact causes are still unknown. Some causes of various eczema conditions include inherited genetic traits, exposure to outside allergens or irritants, circulatory problems, celiac disease and infections from viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites.
Atopic Eczema
-
By far, the most common form of eczema is atopic eczema. This disease is an allergic condition that can flare up from time to time, causing intensely itchy and painful rashes on the head, neck and joints. It is more common among infants and younger children than among adults, although adults can continue to experience flare-ups throughout their lifetime. The exact cause of atopic eczema is not known, so doctors cannot be sure of how it develops. But medical studies have revealed strong connections between cases of atopic eczema and genetically inherited asthma and hay fever. The most popular theory is therefore that atopic eczema's cause is genetic, and that it is tied to these respiratory diseases.
-
Common Eczema Symptoms
-
Severe dry skin and rashes accompany all eczema cases. But depending on what specific type a person has, other skin symptoms may include cracking and bleeding, redness, blistering, oozing pus, swelling, flaking and the formation of crust layers. Different types of eczema may also have different common problem areas where rashes and dry patches are more likely to develop.
-
