Eczema Causes and Risk Factors

Eczema
Causes and Risk Factors
Despite research in the field, eczema causes remain largely unknown. What is known is the fact that both genetic factors and environmental ones are involved. Cases are distinguished internal and external causes (contact). The latter are common, representing over 50% of illnesses, but meeting and eczema related to household activities.
Eczema may be due to physical or chemical attacks multiple agents: animal substances, vegetable, various chemicals. This type of reaction is present in 70% of contact eczema. This phenomenon can be acute - in contact with skin, some aggressive chemicals trigger fast reactions with burning strictly localized area of skin contact (industrial solvents, detergents, etc..) Or chronic - is minimal trauma, but repeated; dry skin and painful cracks.
Atopic eczema, the most common type of eczema in children, often have a genetic component. But some patients find that environmental factors trigger outbursts of eczema. Triggers are numerous, the most common being detergents, soap, dust, animal dander (skin, hair, fur), mold, pollen and even sudden temperature variations. Contact Eczema is caused by an object that comes into direct contact with the skin: water, detergents, soap, saliva, acids, solvents, fiberglass, leaves of plants, etc.. Allergic contact eczema is a reaction that involves the immune system, triggered by a foreign substance (allergen): some herbs, resins, metals (especially nickel), adhesives, latex, rubber, perfumes, cosmetics, topical medications (applied directly skin). Seborrheic Eczema is caused by an immune system reaction to a fungus called Malassezia, present in areas rich in sebaceous glands of the skin (scalp, eyebrows, chest and back in men). The exact cause of the reactions of the organism is not known.

Risk factors
- Family history of allergy (allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, urticaria) - Life in a dry climate or urban areas
Factors that can aggravate eczema are many and very variable from one individual to another: - Irritation caused by contact with skin (wool or synthetic fibers, soaps and detergents, perfumes, cosmetics, sand, smoke, etc.). - Food allergens, or those from plants, animals, air - Emotional factors - anxiety, conflict and stress. - Skin infections, especially those with fungi - athlete's foot