Understanding Your Eczema

Eczema refers to skin conditions which result in inflamed, red, itchy and dry skin. It is much more common in children than adults, and is less severe in adults than in children. While its exact cause is not known, eczema is more commonly seen in people with, or have a family history of, asthma and allergies.

Atopic dermatitis: most common eczema type

There are several types of eczema. The most common is atopic dermatitis, which is frequently called eczema.

Atopic dermatitis causes changes in the skin structure that make it easier for germs and allergens to penetrate it. This results in dry, sensitive skin that is prone to infections. The most common symptoms include itching, skin dryness and redness. Aside from the physical symptoms, atopic dermatitis also causes significant mental and emotional trauma.

More than 230 million people worldwide have atopic dermatitis. Approximately 20% of the population suffer from the condition at some point in their life. The incidence of atopic dermatitis has been increasing in Asia in the last few decades. This has been mainly attributed to shift to western lifestyles, improvement in standards of living, and rapid urbanization.

Higher incidence in children

Around 95% of patients suffer from atopic dermatitis in early childhood, with more than 10% suffering from severe symptoms. About half of patients develop symptoms in infancy. More than 10% of children in Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea aged between 6 and 7 years suffer from atopic dermatitis.

In 1 of 4 children, atopic dermatitis persists until adulthood. However, symptoms in adults are often mild and involve only the hands.

Consult your dermatologist for more information on atopic dermatitis and other types of eczema.

Shop at Watsons for eczema treatments and other essential healthcare needs.

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Reference:
https://www.eczema-care.asia/en-gb. Accessed 18 April 2022