Understanding Eczema
Atopic Eczema (commonly called Eczema) is an itchy, chronic inflammation of the skin.
“Atopic” refers to a collection of diseases involving the immune system. “Eczema” is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough. Diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of skin and on personal and family history.
The prevalence of atopic eczema is about 20 percent in Malaysia and Singapore with 90 percent of suffers developing the condition before the age of 5 years.
Some people outgrow the condition, while others will continue to have it throughout adulthood. Classic signs of atopic dermatitis include itchy reddish skin and in severe cases, the skin lesions may be infected.
Atopic dermatitis in young children is a risk factor for the development of airways disease including asthma later in life. Thus, children 5 to 7 years old may develop allergic rhinitis and asthma if they had food-triggered allergic dermatitis during infancy.