Eczema is a disorder of the skin that is affecting, it is believed, as many as ten to twenty percent of all of the population of the world. When it occurs, it causes the skin to turn red and become itchy and it also causes the skin to become flaky.
Eczema occurs when the skin becomes inflamed due to irritants present in the environment or because of other physical conditions. If you have a family member with eczema, you are at a greater risk of suffering from this disease. However, everyone is susceptible to it.
At present, the cure for eczema eludes mankind though the condition can be treated so that immediate relief is forthcoming. The main function of the skin of course is to prevent infections and disease from affecting us. Although, when such capabilities become compromised due to over sensitive irritants (external) or triggers as they are also referred to as, then a reaction that then turns into eczema results.
Eczema can not only affect adults, but infants and children as well. In infants, the disease can be recognized on their cheeks, forehead, forearms, neck, and scalp and even on the legs. In some cases it will appear as itchy red patches on the neck, face, inside portion of the elbows, ankles, and knees.
There are also different forms of eczema and how it actually develops depends to a great deal on the form as well as nature of the irritant. One of the commonest forms of eczema is known as atopic dermatitis which will cause the patient to also risk developing food allergies and asthma as well as come down with hay fever.
Occupational eczema is another form of skin condition that occurs due to the environment that a person works in. Still another variety of this disease is known as nummular eczema. In this, you will notice splotched skin that can be worsened if one wears tight fitting clothes.
Eczema has no known cure yet, though a change in lifestyle will be effective in treating it. Furthermore, it is best to keep the skin well-hydrated in order to prevent a flare-up of this disease.