Medical Causes of Eczema

The medical causes of eczema are many and varied, and depend on the particular type of eczema that is affecting a persons skin. Atopic eczema is thought to be a hereditary condition, being genetically linked. Hereditary medical causes of eczema are very common. A family with a history of eczema, where for example both parents have the complaint, there would be an 80 per cent chance that their children will have it too. It is proposed that people with atopic eczema are sensitive to allergens in the environment which are harmless to others. In atopy the medical causes of eczema are related to an excessive reaction by the immune system, producing inflamed, irritated and sore skin. Other types of medical causes of eczema can be linked to irritants such as chemicals and detergents, or allergens such as nickel, which is often found in earrings, belt buckles and jeans buttons. In later years medical causes of eczema can be associated with a blood circulatory problems in the legs.

Medical causes of eczema can be flared up by infections, in particular with a bug called Staphylococcus aureus, which is everywhere around us, to a certain extent. Eczema is made worse when the skin loses it’s natural oils, it becomes less supple, dried out and starts to itch. To counter this, it is critical to avoid hot soapy water and detergents that will de-moisturise and dry out the skin. Another of the medical causes of eczema, centres around an allergy many sufferers have to the house dust mite. This is everywhere around us, it lives on carpets, clothes, bedding etc. It does however, tend to be seasonal; worse in winter compared to the summer months. Many of the medical causes of eczema remain to be explained, though links with environmental factors and emotional upset, leading to the inevitable stress are being explored as triggers. Some known aggravating factors, other than those already mentioned include: Direct contact with animals (especially their saliva or fur); rapid changes of temperature and humidity; rough, scratchy, or tight clothing, especially clothes made of wool or stiff fabrics. Reactions can also occur after contact with other substances such as perfumes; rubber; tobacco smoke; paint and bleach.