Eczema is the most common skin condition: it affects all ages and both sexes. The words eczema and dermatitis can mean the same thing and are used to describe a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, dry and scaly. The appearance of eczema can vary from person to person, and can affect different parts of the body. It can be a long term condition or a sudden outbreak.

What causes eczema?
In normal skin the skin acts as a barrier, preventing loss of water. It also stops things that irritate the skin from penetrating it. In people with eczema the skin does not perform this role effectively. Moisture is lost, resulting in a dry, cracked, scaly appearance. These cracks then allow irritants, allergens and bacteria to penetrate, causing an allergic reaction.

In normal skin the skin acts as a barrier, preventing loss of water. It also stops things that irritate the skin from penetrating it. In people with eczema the skin does not perform this role effectively. Moisture is lost, resulting in a dry, cracked, scaly appearance. These cracks then allow irritants, allergens and bacteria to penetrate, causing an allergic reaction.

Are there different types of eczema?
There are many different types of eczema affecting different parts of the body. The two most common types are:

Atopic eczema: This type is commonly seen in children, less so in adults. It occurs in individuals with a natural tendency to develop allergies such as asthma, hay fever and food allergies. Atopic eczema can be inherited and is often seen in several members of the same family. It mainly affects the inside of the elbows and knees and also the wrists and ankles and can be worsened by the use of soaps and perfumes. Atopic eczema is very itchy.

Contact dermatitis: This is caused by contact with something that the skin is allergic or sensitive to. Different people can be allergic to different things but some of the most common allergies are to nickel,(found in many items of jewellery), washing powder, sticking plasters, condoms, cosmetics and certain plants. The best way to prevent this type of dermatitis is to simply avoid the irritant. If you are unsure as to what is causing the reaction, the hospital doctor can carry out a '‘patch" test. This means that small amounts of various chemicals are applied to your skin at the site of a small pinprick; the strength of the subsequent reaction should give a clue to the most likely allergen.

The itch and eczema
Itching is a major symptom of atopic eczema and causes an ‘itch-scratch’ cycle. When the sufferer scratches the infected area, a chemical is released within the skin that causes more irritation. This makes the skin even itchier, causing further scratching and so the cycle goes on.