Most cases of eczema are of the atopic form. Caused by multiple factors, this skin disease is largely hereditary. It is characterised by an extremely dry epidermis with a poor hydrolipidic film that should be protecting it. As a result, the immune system overreacts to external aggressions and causes inappropriate inflammation. It is this inflammation that triggers the symptoms of eczema. That's why it's important to moisturise your skin every day.
During an eczema flare-up, red and indistinct patches appear on the skin. These patches are dry and rough, often painful and itchy. So much so that it is difficult to keep from scratching. A vicious circle then sets in: because it itches, you scratch; because you scratch, it itches even more. Scratching also encourages inflammation of the lesion, which can sometimes be complicated by a bacterial infection. The lesion then starts oozing. Another distinctive feature is that even when not flaring up, eczema-prone skin often remains very dry.
Contact eczema: the allergens responsible
The symptoms of contact eczema are the same as those of atopic eczema. The main difference is the trigger for the flare-up. In the case of contact eczema, a specific allergen can be identified. When the patient is exposed to the allergen (via cosmetics, medication, jewellery, etc.), the flare-up occurs, either in a localised or generalised manner. Sometimes the same person can develop both forms of eczema, since atopic skin is more sensitive and therefore more prone to allergic reactions.
Eczema can affect several parts of the body, whether it’s atopic or contact eczema. Some people suffer from flare-ups on the scalp, face, eyelids, arms and legs. Symptoms can also affect the feet, stomach and back.
Eczema: environmental causes?
Eczema is the result of several factors, some of which are hereditary and others environmental. In addition to the genetic aspect, there are also external factors associated with the person’s environment and lifestyle. These include exposure to tobacco and urban industrial pollution, as well as excessive skin washing and poorly ventilated homes.
FRIENDLY (AND EXPERT) ADVICE
Moisturise your skin every day, even when not in a flare-up
Apply an emollient daily. This little routine will help you reduce the frequency of eczema flare-ups and keep your skin as healthy as possible. And even when you're not having flare-ups, keep up the good habits.
Atopic eczema most often appears in infancy, from the age of three months. In infants, the lesions are often found on bulging areas of the face and limbs, and on the scalp and buttocks. Symptoms usually disappear during childhood, but 10-15% of cases persist into adulthood.
Proper hygiene for eczema in children
What are the treatments for eczema?
Apart from the application of an emollient to moisturise the skin and restore its protective barrier, other treatments, such as localised corticosteroids or immunomodulators, aim to reduce inflammation during flare-ups. The aim of localised care is also to reduce the itching caused by eczema. Antihistamines and other molecules with a systemic action – i.e. that act on the whole body – can also be administered on a case-by-case basis.
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It affects between 10 and 20% of infants and nearly 10% of adults under the age of 30. Its frequency decreases with age, affecting less than 3% of patients over the age of 50. Women are more affected than men.
