Grow Youthful: How to Slow Your Aging and Enjoy Extraordinary Health
Grow Youthful: How to Slow Your Aging and Enjoy Extraordinary Health

Eczema / dermatitis

What is eczema?

Symptoms of eczema

Types of eczema / dermatitis

Causes of eczema

Prevention / remedies / treatment for eczema

References

What is eczema?

Eczema (atopic dermatitis, dermatitis, skin inflammation) refers to a range of persistent inflammatory conditions of the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). The Greek word eczema means "to boil over".

It is a modern degenerative disease that is affecting an increasing number of people, particularly in the last 50 years. About one in every nine people will suffer from eczema at some time in their lives.

It can occur at any age, but most cases seem to present in infancy, or among females during their reproductive years (15-49).

Eczema is more likely to be found on the flexor aspect of joints, in contrast to psoriasis which is usually on the extensor areas of skin. Psoriasis can also affect other parts of the body in addition to the skin.

Symptoms of eczema

Types of eczema / dermatitis

Causes of eczema

Prevention / remedies / treatment for eczema

References

1. Bufford, JD; Gern JE. The hygiene hypothesis revisited. May 2005. Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America 25 (2): 247-262.

2. Henszel L, Kuzna-Grygiel W. House dust mites in the etiology of allergic diseases (In Polish). 2006. Annales Academiae Medicae Stetinensis 52 (2): 123-7.