Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common form of dermatitis (skin inflammation) that causes the skin to become itchy, red, swollen and painful. 

Causes

Certain substances or conditions called trigger factors can cause eczema to flare. These trigger factors can be:

- Irritants such as wool, skin infections, dry skin, low humidity, heat, sweating or emotional stress.

- Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, moulds or foods.

Signs and symptoms

The classic symptoms of eczema are:

- Itching.  This is the worst aspect because it can be upsetting for the child.  It also makes the child scratch causing further rawness of the skin and possible infections to develop.

- Redness caused by extra blood flowing through the blood vessels in the skin in the affected area.

- A grainy appearance to the skin, caused by tiny fluid filled blisters just under the skin called “vesicles.”

- Weeping when the blisters burst, either by themselves or because of scratching, and the fluid oozes on to the surface of the skin.

- Crusts or scabs that form when the fluid dries.

- Children with eczema often have dry, scaly skin.  This may be the result of the disease or it may also be the natural skin type of the family.  Dry skin can be a predisposing factor to developing eczema.

- Pale patches of skin may appear because eczema can disturb the production of pigment which controls skin colour. The effect does fade and disappear.

- Lichenification - a leathery, thicker skin area in response to scratching.

Treatment

In some very mild cases eczema can be managed by:

- Avoiding likely sources of irritation (triggers)

- Using emollients such as special bath oils and moisturisers.