Eczema is the term used to describe several skin conditions, but most commonly refers to atopic dermatitis, a skin condition seen mainly in infants and children, but also in adults. Eczema is experienced as a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is intensely itchy, leading to scratching and rubbing of the affected areas. The areas most commonly affected by eczema are the elbow and knee flexures. Other possible areas include the cheeks, skin behind the ears, back, belly, hands and feet. Some people who get eczema go on to develop hay fever and asthma.
Genetics
As reported in the March 2009 edition of "Medical Clinics of North America," eczema has been on the rise since World War II. While the exact causes are not yet known, several factors have been proposed as closely linked to the occurrence of eczema. It's been observed that children of mothers with eczema have higher rates of the condition themselves, pointing to genetic make-up as one of the main predictors of the disease. In his book, "Textbook of Natural Medicine," Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. also reports that two-thirds of eczema patients have a positive family history of the condition.
Food Allergies
Many studies have documented the link between food allergies and eczema. While food allergies do not cause eczema, they often cause flare-ups, or exacerbations. Pizzorno, N.D., echoes the findings of a study published in April 1996 in the "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology," which found that eczema patients have increased gut permeability, often referred to as leaky gut. Increased gut permeability leads to a higher allergen load for the immune system, eventually overwhelming it and thus increasing the likelihood of developing new allergies. Common food allergens include eggs, peanuts, milk, fish, soy products and wheat.
Irritants and Environmental Allergens
While they are not the cause for eczema, irritants are things that cause the skin to be itchy, red and even to burn. Common irritants include cleaners and soaps, various chemicals such as chlorine, mineral oil or solvents, wool, dust, some perfumes and make-up and cigarette smoke. Common environmental allergens that may cause flare-ups of eczema include cat or dog dander, dust mites, various pollens and mold.
Other Factors
Other factors found to contribute to worsening of eczema symptoms include stress and emotional tension, anger and frustration. Several authors, including Pizzorno, N.D., report that eczema patients show higher levels of anxiety and have problems dealing with anger and hostility. Patients often respond to stress or frustration with itching and scratching, making their skin eruptions worse. Besides psychological factors, skin infections, as well as climate and temperature, may play a role in worsening of eczema.
References
- "Medical Clinics of North America"; Allergic Skin Disease: Major Highlights and Recent Advances; Kim M. Nichols, MD, Fran E. Cook-Bolden, MD; November 2009
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Atopic Dermatitis
- "Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology"; Evaluation of the gut mucosal barrier: Evidence for increased antigen transfer in children with atopic eczema; Heli Majamaa MD, Erika Isolauri MD; April 1996
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. and Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
