Abstract

Childhood Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Author(s): Erica Bronen

Atopic eczema is a common skin condition that affects one out of every ten children in affluent countries, and it is becoming more common. This could be due to a variety of factors, including increased air pollution exposure, smaller households with lower infection risks, more pets, older maternal age, and a wider variety of meals. A strong genetic component appears to be present in atopic eczema. This is exacerbated by the fact that not all of the children who are impacted are atopic, and the genes connected to atopy, as well as others yet to be discovered, are likely to be involved. It has the potential to cause major psychological problems. The majority of the children who are affected are allergic to house dust mites, which is likely one of the factors contributing to the condition’s severity. Food allergy mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) affects less than 10% of the population, however, some persons develop latephase reactions to foods that show up on patch tests.


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