ATOPIC ECZEMA

The most common form of eczema rash is atopic eczema. Dryness thickening, excoriation, and even scarring mark the rash associated with atopic eczema rash. The chronic condition of atopic eczema is not contagious. Atopic eczema is most commonly located in areas where the body bends or experiences contact thus creating friction that can cause eczema. This type of eczema affects 15 million people and is usually accompanied by asthma and hay fever. 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 eczema may also affect the skin around the eyes, the eyelids, and the eyebrows and lashes. Scratching and rubbing the eye area can cause the skin to become red, irritated and inflamed. Scratching and rubbing the area can result in patchy areas involving loss of eyebrows and eyelashes. Signs and symptoms of eye complications also include eye watering and inflammation of the eyelid and the lining of the eyelid. These ocular symptoms of eczema can be very similar to ocular rosacea and can be treated as effectively as one would treat the symptoms of ocular rosacea.