Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterised by dry, pruritic skin with a chronic relapsing course.
Acute eczema is used to describe a flare-up of symptoms. Chronic is used to describe the condition when the patient develops signs of chronic inflammation (e.g., lichenification).
Epidemiology: Can affect all age groups, most commonly diagnosed before 5 and affects 10% to 30% of children, 2-10% of adults
Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema
A chronic atopic condition caused by defects in the normal continuity of the skin barrier = inflammation in the skin
Tiny gaps in the skin barrier provide an entrance for irritants, microbes and allergens that create an immune response, resulting in inflammation and the associated symptoms.
Risk factors: