subject: The primary causes of eczema [print this page] The primary causes of eczema The primary causes of eczema
It is difficult to exactly pinpoint at what causes eczema. Since it is a skin disease involving rashes and itching, it is mostly an allergic reaction. Different people are allergic to different substances and it is important to know what you are allergic to before you can do anything about it. A complete allergy profile will tell you exactly what can cause your skin to flare up. It is believed that most people who have eczema, at some point suffer from other allergic reactions as well like asthma and flu. Parents need to keep a watchful eye about these kind of reactions to take necessary action.
The main cause of eczema is believed to be hygiene hypothesis, which basically means the lack of exposure to certain disease causing bacteria in the childhood. It might sound strange, but kids who are exposed to infectious agents as a kid, have a stronger immune system. The weaker the immune system, the more open our bodies are to infections and allergic reactions like eczema. Stress in teens and adults are also known to cause eczema in the same way. Stress causes the body to become fatigued thus making the immune system weak.
Another reason that has recently surfaced for the increasing number of children and adults with eczema is the use of antibiotics and antipyretics. The extensive use of antibiotics and antipyretics in children has lead to weakened immune system throughout. For that matter, certain researchers also claim that high fever can help prevent cancer in the long run, but we cure it by using strong antibiotics. But eczema in children is quite common too and though it's very painful for them, it's nothing that will linger on till their adult ages. A few hygiene changes and dietary changes help without the use of conventional medicine.
Any kind of sudden change in environment or diet can cause allergic reactions too which can lead to eczema. If you are moving houses or shifting to a different city, there are chances that your skin will react to it. This happens because the body is not used to certain microbes in the air and the immune system is not able to fight them. Change in food also causes allergies. Keeping track of the dietary changes help in determining exactly what can be causing the allergic reactions. The allergy profile helps here too.
Eczema is also caused by excessive dryness of the skin. Though it is one of the symptoms too, dry skin which cracks and flakes can expose the flesh to infections that would otherwise be tackled by the skin. This is exactly why moisturising is important during the winters. Insect bites are also known to cause skin allergies like eczema which can be easily prevented by using repellents and antiseptics. Changing linens regularly eliminates the chances of dust mites and bed bugs which can also cause skin infections.
Since allergic reactions are not specific to any one thing, it is important to have a personal allergy profile to understand what can cause eczema on your skin. Only through knowledge can you prevent its occurrence.
