What is eczema?
It is very common for eczema to occur as a result of irritants in the environment you are in direct contact with. The major indoor contributing allergen to eczema is the dust mite protein. Approximately ten percent of the general public develops an allergy to dust mites. The most widespread form of eczema- atopic dermatitis.
Signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis (eczema) include:
•Red to brownish-gray colored patches
•Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
•Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when scratched
•Thickened, cracked or scaly skin
•Raw, sensitive skin from scratching
Though the patches can occur anywhere, they most often appear on the hands and feet, in the front of the bend of the elbow, behind the knees, and on the ankles, wrists, face, neck and upper chest. Atopic dermatitis can also affect the skin around the eyes, including your eyelids. Scratching can cause redness and swelling around the eyes.
Atopic dermatitis most often begins in childhood before age 5 and may persist into adulthood. For some, it flares periodically and then subsides for a time, even up to several years. Itching may be severe, and scratching the rash can make it even itchier and cause
more inflammation. Once the skin barrier is broken, the skin can become infected by bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus, which commonly live on the skin. Breaking this itch-scratch cycle can be challenging.