The fear of the present - ATOPIC ECZEMA
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and depending on the build of the person, it can measure from 1.5-2m², and therefore requires attention and care. Each of us has certainly encountered some kind of skin condition, whether on our own body or someone else's. Almost everyone has had chickenpox in their youth. If you don't remember it, your parents do. In this article, we will discuss the problem of atopic eczema, how and why it occurs, and more.
Skin composition
As we have already mentioned, the skin, otherwise known as the epidermis, covers our entire body. It consists of three main layers, which are: epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The picture shows its more precise and deeper composition.
Source: http://www.renlive.sk/page--objavte-svoju-pokozku
What does our skin actually do?
When considering all the things our skin does, it's essential to give it more attention than before. The basic functions include:
- barrier function,
- metabolic function,
- immunological,
- repair,
- reserve,
- excretory and several others.
Water is one of the main elements that the skin needs for proper function. It contains up to about 70% in the epidermis.
What is behind its origin?
Atopic eczema is a disease that affects people from an early age. This condition is multifactorial, chronic and non-infectious. It's not an allergy! People prone to atopic eczema have:
- either a genetic predisposition or
- immunological dysregulation - susceptibility to the spread of bacteria,
- impaired skin barrier function, meaning it does not prevent inflammation
- or there are substances that do not directly cause symptoms but contribute to the worsening of eczema.
In children, this eczema occurs from 15-30%, in adults less, from 2-10%. A person who has atopic eczema is in a vicious circle, because: they lose water from the body more easily, the skin is prone to all infections and the following process occurs:
Source: http://www.eucerin.sk/indikacie/atopic-dermatitis/atopicka-dermatitida-na-tvari
Forms of eczema by age
In every stage of life, a person has different immunity and also reacts to external and other influences, therefore the form of atopic eczema also differs depending on age.
INFANTILE
- usually starts between the 2nd – 6th month of life
- mainly the parts of the face and forehead are affected, it can spread further to the torso and limbs
- the skin is reddened, pimples form, blisters and scales may occur
- the eczema is quite itchy, the child scratches, is restless, cries, sleeps badly
- the eczema can completely heal during the second year of life!
CHILDHOOD
- occurs from 3 to 10 years of age
- mainly affected are the fold areas of the body - elbows, popliteal fossa, fingers, neck, etc.
- the skin does not weep, it is rough and cracked, the itching is strong
ADOLESCENT AND ADULT
- The affected areas are similar to those in the childhood form, but the skin is more cracked.
Forms of eczema based on severity
Atopic eczema differs not only according to age into infantile, childhood and adult, but also according to the form of severity that patients suffer from.
- Mild form: areas with dry skin, occasional itching, small areas with redness.
- Moderately severe form: areas with dry skin, constant itching, redness or weeping.
- Severely severe form: as with the moderately severe form, but large areas are covered with eczema.
None of the forms are pleasant, and it is necessary to prevent them, as a return or spread is always possible. We will bring you information on possible measures and other important news on how to tackle atopic eczema in the next article, and we hope that this one was beneficial and you liked it.
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