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- What is eczema?
- Symptoms of eczema
- Causes of eczema
- Prevention of eczema
- Risk factors for eczema
- Complications of eczema
- When to see a doctor about eczema
- Diagnosis of eczema
- Conventional treatment of eczema
- Alternative/complementary treatment of eczema
- Living with eczema
- Caring for someone with eczema
Science has not yet discovered the cause of eczema, but at this stage, it is believed that a malfunctioning immune system may play a big role in initiating eczema symptoms.
There are a number of triggers for precipitating eczema in those who are susceptible to this condition:
Genetics
Research shows that children with a family history of either eczema (or asthma or allergic rhinitis) are also more likely to develop eczema either in childhood or as adults. In addition to this, if there are family members with any of these conditions, it is another factor in likelihood of developing eczema too.
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In addition to genetics, it seems that eczema is precipitated by two specific factors:
Allergens
Research suggests that many cases of eczema are caused, at least in part, to an allergic reaction to a substance, which is known as an allergen. Underlying this allergic reaction is a faulty immune system, which does not recognise the allergen as harmless and over-reacts with eczema symptoms. The most common allergens include: food, medication, dust, pets, plants, rubber, nickel.
Irritants
Research suggests that many cases of eczema can also be caused, at least in part, to an irritant that touches the skin. This causes the immune system to over-react and produce eczema symptoms. The most common irritants to the skin that can produce eczema on the skin include: environmental chemicals, laundry powders (or liquids), skin care lotions (or creams), dish washing liquids, laundry softeners, cleaning products.
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