Eczema |
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DESCRIPTION
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Eczema, known medically as atopic (a-TOP-ik) dermatitis (DER-muh-TIE-tis), is a long-term skin irritation. It can come and go for months or even years, and often accompanies other allergic problems such as asthma or hay fever. There is no cure for the problem, but the symptoms can be managed. The disease will not spread from person to person.
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CAUSES
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The cause of eczema is unknown. It tends to affect people with a family history of atopic dermatitis or other allergic problems. It can be brought on by stress, food, or other irritants. Certain chemicals and fabrics may also trigger the problem.
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SYMPTOMS
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In young children, the problem surfaces as a red, itchy, oozing, crusted rash on the face, scalp, diaper area, arms, and legs. In older children and adults the rashes may appear as dry, red, scaly patches on the eyelids, neck, and wrists, and in the folds of the elbows and knees, neck, hands, feet, genital area (between the legs), and around the rectum.
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CARE
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Medicine may be used to relieve the itching.
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