Causes Of Atopic Eczema

Atopic is generally a word used to describe patients with particular allergic tendencies. Atopic eczema however is not a simple allergic condition, but can elevate the patients chance of developing conditions such as hay fever and more acutely, asthma.

As is in some cases of allergic reactions, the cause of atopic eczema is unknown. Doctors have observed that the lipid barrier of the skin which has to do with the oils in the skin, has the tendency to be reduced in this condition. This reduction leads to dry skin due to increased water loss. There are some cells in the immune system that release chemicals just under the surface of the skin resulting in inflammation.

Genetically Atopic eczema occurs 80% more typically in children where both parents are affected, and 60% where only one parent suffers from the disease. The exact genetic cause is unknown as to which genes are the culprits. It has been observed though that the disease has become more common in recent years.