Causes of eczema

• Doctors do not know the exact cause of eczema, but an abnormal function of the immune system is believed to be a factor.
• Some forms of eczema can be triggered by substances that come in contact with the skin,  such as soaps, cosmetics, clothing, detergents, jewellery, or sweat.
• Environmental allergens (substances that cause allergic reactions) may also cause outbreaks of eczema. Changes in temperature or humidity,
• Even psychological stress, for some people lead to outbreaks of eczema.

• Usually the first symptom of eczema is intense itching.
• The rash appears later. It is patchy and starts out as flaky or scaly dry skin on top of reddened, inflamed skin.
• The rash itches or burns.
• If it is scratched, it may ooze and become crusty, especially in young children.
• In adults, the patches are more likely to be brownish, scaly, and thickened.
• Some people develop red bumps or clear fluid-filled bumps that look “bubbly” and, when scratched, add wetness to the overall appearance.
• Painful cracks can develop over time.
• The rash can be located anywhere on the body but is most often found on the face and on the arms and legs, particularly in creases and on hands and feet. This pattern makes sense because the face and extremities are in contact with external agents more than any other part of the body.
• The itching may be so intense that it interferes with sleep.

• ·     Atopic dermatitis-Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by itchy, inflamed skin. Atopic dermatitis is believed to be caused by an abnormal function of the body’s immune system. Atopic dermatitis tends to run in families, and people who develop the condition often have a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma or
  hay fever.
• ·      Contact eczema-Contact eczema -contact dermatitis is a localized reaction that includes redness, itching, and burning where the skin has come into contact with an allergen (an allergy-causing substance to which an individual is sensitized) or with a general irritant such as an acid, a cleaning agent, or other chemical. Other examples of contact eczema include reactions to laundry detergents, nickel (present in jewellery),  cosmetics, fabrics, clothing, and perfume. Due to the vast number of substances with which individuals have contact, it can be difficult to determine the trigger for contact dermatitis. The condition is sometimes referred to as allergic contact eczema (allergic contact dermatitis) if the trigger is an allergen and irritant contact eczema (irritant contact dermatitis) if the trigger is an irritant. Skin reactions to poison ivy and poison sumac are examples of allergic contact eczema. People who have a history of allergies
  have an increased risk for developing contact eczema.
• ·    Seborrheic eczema-Seborrheic eczema -seborrheic dermatitis is a form of skin inflammation of unknown cause. The signs and symptoms of seborrheic eczema include yellowish, oily, scaly patches of skin on the scalp, face, and occasionally other parts of the body. Dandruff and “cradle cap” in infants are examples of seborrheic eczema. It is
  commonplace for seborrheic dermatitis to inflame the face at the creases of the cheeks and/or the nasal folds. Seborrheic dermatitis is not necessarily associated with itching. This condition tends to run in families. Emotional stress, oily skin, infrequent shampooing, and weather conditions may all increase a person’s risk of developing seborrheic eczema. One type of seborrheic eczema is also common in people with AIDS.
• ·      Nummular eczema-Nummular eczema -nummular dermatitis is characterized by coin-shaped patches of irritated skin—most commonly located on the arms, back, buttocks, and lower legs—that may be crusted, scaling, and extremely itchy. This form of eczema is relatively uncommon and occurs most frequently in elderly men. Nummular eczema is usually a chronic condition. A personal or family history of Atopic dermatitis, asthma, or allergies increases the risk of developing the condition.
• ·    Neurodermatitis- Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, is a chronic skin inflammation caused by a scratch-itch cycle that begins with a localized itch (such as an insect bite) that becomes intensely irritated when scratched. Women are more commonly affected by neurodermatitis than men, this form of eczema results in scaly
  patches of skin on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms. Over time, the skin can become thickened and leathery. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of  neurodermatitis.
• ·      Stasis dermatitis-Stasis dermatitis is a skin irritation on the lower legs, generally related to the circulatory problem known as venous insufficiency, in which the function of the valves within the veins has been compromised. Stasis dermatitis occurs almost exclusively in middle-aged and elderly people; Symptoms include itching and/or reddish-brown discoloration of the skin on one or both legs. Progression of the condition can lead to the blistering, oozing skin lesions seen with other forms of eczema, and ulcers may
  develop in affected areas. The chronic circulatory problems lead to an increase in fluid build-up (oedema) in the legs. Stasis dermatitis has also been referred to as varicose eczema.
• ·      Dyshidrotic eczema-Dyshidrotic eczema-dyshidrotic dermatitis is an irritation of the skin on the palms of hands and soles of the feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burn. The cause of dyshidrotic eczema is unknown. Dyshidrotic eczema is also known as vesicular palmoplantar dermatitis, dyshidrosis, or pompholyx. This form of eczema occurs commonly during the spring and summer months and in warmer climates. Males and females are equally affected, and the condition can occur in people of any age.