Atopic Eczema

 Atopic eczema, otherwise referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a type of skin inflammatory medical condition that occurs most frequently among children. The disease is known to affect around 20% of children in the UK, regardless of sexual orientation. Symptoms of atopic eczema include itchy, red, dry, and cracked skin. These symptoms can be visible throughout the body, most commonly at the backs or fronts of the knees, outside or inside of the elbows, around the neck, hands, cheeks, and scalp.

Causes

The specific cause of atopic eczema is unknown, though the genetic predispotition of the individual to develop the disease seem to increse the risks. For instance, the offspring of parents who suffered from atopic eczema is likely to be affected by it as well. Furthermore, mutations in the gene for the production of filaggrin increase the risks of developing atopic eczema. Filaggrin is a protein involved in the retention of water in the stratum corneum. Mutation in the gene for the production of filaggrin therefore produces a non-functional filggrin protein. This leads to the drying of skin.

Lower levels of tolerance of the individual to allergens in the environment also seem to increase the risks. Growing up in a sanitary environment, for instance, could be a significant contributor. Allergens in the environment, which have not been exposed to the child when growing up in the sanitary enviornment, tend to be intolerable when exposed at a later stage in life. This may induce an allergic reaction.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for the disease. However, several measures could be taken to reduce the severity of the symptoms.

Moisturisers

Applying moisturisers could help moisten the skin, therefore reversing the effects of the drying of skin caused by the disease to a limited extent. Bathing in lukewarm, salt water could also help moisten skin.

Vitamin D

Intake of vitamin D has also shown to be an effective treatment for atopic eczema.