Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. In the United Kingdom, up to one fifth of all children of school age have eczema, along with about one in twelve of the adult population. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleeding. Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious.

The causes of eczema are many and varied, and depend on the particular type of eczema that a person has. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition, being genetically linked. It is proposed that people with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others. In atopy there is an excessive reaction by the immune system producing inflamed, irritated and sore skin. Associated atopic conditions include asthma and hayfever.

There are several different types of eczema, many of which look similar but have very different causes and treatments. The first step in effective treatment of eczema is a correct diagnosis. It is very important to see a general practitioner in the first instance, who may make a referral to a specialist dermatologist for further diagnosis and treatment. [top of page]

There is currently no cure for eczema though research continues to shed new light on the condition. However, there are many ways to minimise the discomfort and distress which eczema can bring, the foundation of which is an effective skin care routine. A wide range of treatments is available, either over the counter at the pharmacy, or on prescription from a doctor. Many complementary therapies are available, which some people find helpful.

Many people prefer to explore the use of complementary therapies in addition, or as an alternative, to conventional treatments. Complementary therapists offer a holistic approach which is usually based upon the individual's needs. Evening primrose oil is now commonly used and other treatments such as aromatherapy, relaxation and homeopathy are readily available. Chinese herbal treatments may be used, but should only be tried after consultation with your doctor or dermatologist.

one time "dermatitis" was used to describe a skin condition brought on by external factors such as contact with an irritant whereas "eczema" was used to describe a skin condition whose cause was thought to be internal. However, it is not always possible to make such a distinction and the two terms are now used interchangeably. One doctor may refer to eczema and another to dermatitis; what is more important is what type of eczema or dermatitis is involved.

Eczema is a general term encompassing various inflamed skin conditions. One of the most common forms of eczema is atopic dermatitis (or "atopic eczema"). Approximately 10 percent to 20 percent of the world population is affected by this chronic, relapsing, and very itchy rash at some point during childhood. Fortunately, many children with eczema find that the disease clears and often disappears with age. In general, atopic dermatitis will come and go, often based on external factors.

The role of diet in the management of eczema has not been ascertained. Generally changes in diet are only considered in severe cases, when conventional treatments are failing. Dietary changes can be quite helpful in babies and young children, though the effects on older children and adults are less conclusive.

Eczema or as some people call it dermatitis, is a skin condition that can strike males or females of all ages. At http://www.eczemababies.com you can find information pertaining to eczema in young children and babies, however in this article we... Hyaluronic acid naturally distributed throughout the human body where, among other noteworthy properties, it holds water in the intercellular matrix of dermal connective tissue and contributes to the elasticity of the skin. This state-of-the-art...

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, recurring skin condition which can come and go for months and even years. In most people, there are times when eczema gets worse—called "flares" or "flare-ups"—followed by times when it gets better, or even seems to disappear. These are called "remissions.

Again, I can only pass on to you what my customers have experienced. Many have found great relief from eczema utilizing our products. Surprisingly, even by simply incorporating our Dead Sea Magic Mineral? Salt Soap into their daily shower! I heard about this from a customer named Bill who phoned me to thank me for my soap as he was finally able to stop using his eczema medication only 3 days after using my soap! He continues to purchase the soap regularly almost 2 years later.

Atopic eczema is an inherited disorder. If one of the parents or any other close relations of the child has a history of atopy (i.e. either atopic eczema and/or asthma and/or hay fever), the chances that the child will have atopic dermatitis are high.

Answer: A topic Eczema, the most common type of Eczema, is a chronic, itchy skin condition which causes the skin to be extremely sensitive to many things. However, Atopic Eczema is not technically an allergy because it is not a specific response to a specific allergen and it is very rarely completely cleared by removing the cause of sensitivity. People with Atopic Eczema often have a higher likelihood of developing certain allergic conditions, such as a food allergy, hay fever, and asthma.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is skin manifestation of celiac disease characterized by blistering, intensely itchy skin. The rash has a symmetrical distribution and is most frequently found on the face, elbows, knees and buttocks. DH patients can have gastrointestinal damage without perceptible symptoms.(Provided by the Celiac Disease Foundation, for further inquiries call (818) 990-2354).

While eczema is not life-threatening, it can have a serious effect on daily life. For those who have eczema (atopic dermatitis), the skin can get so dry that the outer layer loses its ability to protect the deeper layers of skin and even cracks may form. That can make the skin prone to infections, such as warts and or bacterial skin infection (i.e., impetigo). And, the rash and itching can affect sleep and work or school performance.