The Most Common Eczema

The most common form of eczema is atopic eczema. Atopic eczema is marked by dryness, thickening, excoriation, and even scarring (Hall 79). This chronic condition is not contagious; the cause is hereditary and usually begins in infancy as a rash on the scalp, face or upper extremitities of the baby. Atopic eczema is most commonly located in areas where the body bends or experiences contact thus creating friction that can cause eczema. Young housewives and househusbands may have their first recurrence of atopic eczema as an adult due to the tasks of dishwashing and raising a child (Hall 79). This type of eczema affects 15 million people and is usually accompanied by asthma and hay fever (Dermatology Times, October 1998).

Trigger factors for atopic eczema may include soap, harsh chemicals, heat and humidity, stress, certain foods (most common offenders include eggs, milk, wheat, soy protein, and peanut). Many of these ingredients can turn up in unusual places, such as all-natural soaps, makeup, cream or lotions. Inhalant allergens such as house dust mites, pets, pollen and cut grass are also triggers that can cause eczema. Atopic dermatitis is normally associated with a family history of asthma or allergic rhinitis accompanied by chronic or recurrent dry, extremely itchy, inflamed lesions.