Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is more commonly found in young children, although it is commonly experienced in adulthood too.

Symptoms usually include dry and very itchy rashes on the face, scalp, elbows, neck, wrists, ankles or legs. The rashes may become red, raised, bumpy and thickened, cracked or crusted over.

Eczema can be caused by one of two factors:

• A gene variation that affects the skin’s ability to regenerate and provide protection, making your skin more susceptible to irritants and allergens.
• An overgrowth of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, which displaces helpful bacteria and disrupts the skin’s barrier function; a weaker skin barrier may trigger an immune system response that causes inflamed skin and other symptoms.
• Having asthma, hay fever and allergies put you at a greater risk of developing eczema. Your risk also increases if you have family members with these conditions. Conversely, if you have eczema, you have a higher risk of developing asthma, hay fever and food allergies.

Either eczema clears up on its own or the symptoms are treated with medications and creams. It is also important that you keep your skin moisturised if you have eczema.