Dr. Schachter discusses eczema
What is eczema?
Eczema is a term that can refer to several types of dermatitis or skin inflammation. The commonest form of eczema is atopic dermatitis and these two terms are frequently used interchangeably. However, it's important to know that there are many different types of eczema.
Eczema is not contagious, yet it is believed to be at least partially inherited, therefore it's common to find several people in a family affected.
People of any age can be affected by eczema, although the condition is most prevalent in infants. Approximately 85% of those affected develop the condition before five years of age. Eczema will permanently fade away by age three in about half of babies affected.
In others, the condition can recur throughout their lifetime. Patients with eczema frequently have a genetic history of the condition or a genetic history of allergies such as hay fever or asthma. The precise nature of the connection between these conditions is not yet understood. Some researchers have estimated that up to 20% of children and 1%-2% of adults have eczema. Eczema is somewhat more common in girls than in boys, and occurs in people of all races.
What are the causes of eczema?
Doctors do not yet understand the precise cause of eczema. Possibilities include a disturbance of the skin's metabolism that weakens its function as a barrier; this may combine with a dysfunction of the immune system to create the triggering factors.
Certain types of eczema can be provoked by substances that touch the skin. These include cosmetics, soaps, detergents, clothing, sweat, or jewellery. Environmental allergens (substances that trigger allergic reactions) are also possible causes of eczema. Changes in humidity or temperature, or even stress, can lead to outbreaks of eczema in some people.
Research has shown that atopic dermatitis may be connected with gene defects that lead to abnormalities in certain proteins (such as filaggrin) that are vital in maintaining the barrier of healthy skin.
Dr. Schachter will be happy to answer all your questions about eczema in your consultation with him.
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