The Atopic Eczema Picture

Atopic eczema is the commonest form of eczema and is closely linked with asthma and hay fever. It can affect both children and adults, usually running in families. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition. You do not inherit eczema as such – you inherit a predisposition to it. If there is anyone in the family who has an atopic condition, there is a chance that a new member of the family will have it too.

It is estimated that one in three people are affected by atopy. However, the development of atopic eczema in a person who has a predisposition to it is likely to be greatly influenced by the environment.

One of the most common symptoms of atopic eczema is its itchiness which can be almost unbearable. Other symptoms include overall dryness of the skin, redness and inflammation. Constant scratching can also cause the skin to split, leaving it prone to infection. In infected eczema the skin may crack and weep (‘wet’ eczema).

It is thought that people with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others. In atopy there is an excessive reaction by the immune system producing inflamed, irritated and sore skin. Other types of eczema are caused by irritants such as chemicals and detergents, allergens such as nickel, and yeast growths. In later years eczema can be caused by a blood circulatory problem in the legs. The causes of certain types of eczema remain to be explained, though links with environmental factors and stress are being explored.