There’s been a substantial amount of research into what causes eczema, or atopic dermatitis. Unfortunately for suffers of this malady, no clear answer has surfaced. Rather, a number of causes of eczema have been uncovered. Which means that it is not easy to pin point one “culprit” and offer a guaranteed eczema cure.
With trial and error, it can be possible to identify what can cause eczema to become worse, and in this way reduce eczema symptoms. This must be carried out on a patient by patient basis.
What causes any specific kind of eczema in one person can be very different for another person. Here is a list of the most common factors that cause eczema.
Inherited Reasons for Eczema
Genes often perform a vital part in what brings about this skin problem. Frequently, many members of a family group will suffer from eczema. A family background of other medical conditions such as hay fever, bronchial asthma and allergic reactions, also points to a increased risk of contracting this skin condition.
Gender also raises the risk – women are more liable than males to be affected by eczema.
Family History
The situation into which children are born can play a part in what causes eczema. It’s been found that the risk of eczema increases in individuals who:
Have a mother who was older than the typical age for having children. Were born into more affluent social classes. Were born into a smaller than average family.
Environmental Causes of Eczema
Where you live effects your likelihood of developing eczema. What can cause eczema to be more common in one location than another isn’t known but it is known that this skin disease is more widespread among people who:
Live in developed countries Live in metropolitan areas Live in more Northern countries
Present Age
Baby eczema is extremely common – around two-thirds (65%) of all children under 1 year old develop some degree of eczema. By the time they’re five, almost all youngsters (80%) have experienced eczema. For just less than half of these children, the skin condition will diminish as they get older however for just over half (approximately 60%), eczema continues in adult life.
What causes eczema to stay in some and fade away in other people is not clear but may depend on additional risk variables as above, such as family history and environment.
As you have seen, identifying precisely what causes eczema is very difficult to do since there are a great number of factors involved, also it can be disappointing to find that many causes beyond our control. At the same time, it’s useful to recognize this, and concentrate instead on finding effective relief and remedies for eczema symptoms.
Treatments for the the signs of eczema include a wide assortment of over the counter lotions available at any pharmacy. You can also find numerous alternative eczema treatment methods that may give you a less harmful and much more lasting solution to the treatment of this disorder.