Eczema is a type of dermatitis, a condition that affects the skin, making it dry, itchy, and rough. It results from a weakening of the skin’s barrier function, which maintains moisture and protects the body from external factors. We will discuss the causes of eczema in detail later.
If you’re wondering what eczema looks like, it often appears as dry, red, itchy patches that may peel or crack, depending on their severity and location on the body.
How common is eczema?
Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition worldwide, with a prevalence exceeding 15% and affecting more than 31 million people in the United States. Infants are most susceptible, with approximately 10% to 20% of them developing the condition early in life. As they age, approximately half of these children show significant improvement or completely resolve their symptoms.
In Saudi Arabia, a study conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh on a sample of 603 people with atopic eczema showed that the disease is most common in childhood, with children comprising 52.7% of the sample. The study also showed that eczema in adults is associated with comorbidities, which increases the disease’s impact on this group.
What are the types of eczema?
There are several types of eczema, each characterized by different triggers that affect the skin’s barrier function. The most prominent of these types are:
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Contact dermatitis.
- Dyshidrotic eczema.
- Neurodermatitis.
- Nummular eczema.
- Seborrheic dermatitis.
It’s important to know that a person can develop more than one type of eczema at the same time. Therefore, answering the question, “How do I know which type of eczema I have?” requires a thorough medical evaluation that includes symptoms, triggers, location, and appearance.
Now that we’ve learned about eczema and its types, this article will highlight atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis). In the following lines, we’ll review its most prominent causes and associated factors. Stay tuned.
About Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and discolored patches. It is the most common type of eczema, affecting both children and adults. Symptoms may occur in recurrent flare-ups.
Atopic eczema takes many forms, such as discoid dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis, and varies depending on the location of the condition, such as hand eczema, eyelid eczema, and skin folds.
Causes and Risk Factors of Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
We answer the question, “What causes eczema (atopic dermatitis)?” by saying that atopic eczema occurs as a result of a dysfunction in the skin barrier and immune system, often resulting from a genetic mutation that weakens the skin’s ability to respond to irritants and allergens.
If you’re wondering, “What triggers eczema?” we answer that common triggers of atopic eczema include:
- Irritants or allergens, such as certain foods or skin care products.
- Hormonal changes (such as pregnancy).
- Skin infections.
- Emotional stress.
- Weather changes (hot or cold).
The risk of developing eczema is higher in those with a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever (allergic rhinitis).
Symptoms of Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) symptoms appear as a rash that varies depending on skin color. Common signs may include:
- Dry or cracked skin.
- Intense itching.
- Skin discoloration to red, gray, or brown.
- Swelling or small fluid-filled blisters.
Symptoms vary from person to person depending on their severity and location. Skin folds, such as behind the knees or inside the elbows, are common locations for the rash to appear. It is recommended to see a doctor if you notice any skin changes, especially if there are other causes of atopic eczema, such as allergies or genetics.
Diagnosing Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Diagnosing eczema (atopic dermatitis) is based on a clinical assessment, a careful skin examination, a review of symptoms, their onset and severity, and medical and family history. In some cases, the doctor may recommend taking a biopsy or skin sample and sending it to a laboratory for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other skin conditions.
