The Practical Management of Atopic Eczema in Children
Eczema is an itchy skin condition characterised by dry, red and inflamed skin. In eczema the normal skin barrier function is disrupted (dryness) leading to over-activation of the immune system within the skin (redness) and subsequently to stimulation of itch nerves. The commonest form of eczema seen in childhood (affecting one in five school children) is atopic eczema, so-called because it associates with other atopic conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergy. It is a multi-factorial disease with genetic, environmental and other triggers playing varying roles in different individuals. There are common principles applicable to the management of most forms of eczema.
