Eczema
Eczema Educator
Eczema is one of a group of skin conditions that cause intense dry, red and itchy skin. The two most common types are atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is flare-ups that occur because of a family history with the condition. Contact dermatitis is flare-ups that are motivated by exposure to allergens or irritants. Eczema is referred to as "chronic" because there is no cure and symptoms can reappear or "flare-up" at anytime. Eczema most often affects the area behind the knees, around the elbows and sometimes on hands, as well as the face. Specific / localized patches of dry, itchy and red skin are consistent with eczema.
Over 7 million Canadians have eczema, but only 50 per cent of these have been diagnosed by their health care providers. Eczema usually starts in childhood. Twelve to 25 per cent of all Canadian children get eczema, and while many outgrow the condition, 80 per cent will have dry, irritable skin their whole lives.
Of the three most common symptoms of eczema - red, dry, itchy skin - the primary complaint is itchiness, which often leads to excessive scratching. With eczema, the itchiness regularly causes rashes, which is different than other skin conditions where the rash occurs first and then results in an itch. The inflammatory response causes the itch-scratch cycle, as depicted here. Some may even experience a burning sensation at the site as well. Inflamed skin starts the cycle again because it's so itchy. As the itching persists, the patches often seem to spread and grow larger.
The more you
itch, the more you scratch, the itchier it gets.