Eczema: A Predisposition to Atopic Dermatitis is Actually Inherited

Atopic eczema or dermatitis (skin inflammation) is a skin disease that has been known for centuries by this label, as well as several other titles. The word eczema (pronounced ECK-zema or eck-ZEE-ma) merely translates as bubbling up. It means that any cracked or weeping or perhaps blistering skin can be called eczema. The word atopic (ay-TOP-ik, a- (no) - top (place) -ic- (ness)) means out of place. The term was coined in the 1920's by Cocoa and Cooke to characterize the family histories riddled with eczema and hay fever-type or respiratory allergies because the reactions of these people to the environment are out of place or exaggerated.

The connections between the atopic eczema (AE) and allergies have long been, still are, and will yet be debated. It is an involved topic for discussion. Suffice it to say that, yet, no direct allergic source for AE has been established absolutely as a cause. If you have such skin or are the mother of someone possessing (possessed by?) skin that can breed AE, you realize that this is a type of hive that acts and reacts differently than other people's, even in your' own family. It is something a person is born with.

This skin usually is drier, especially in winter, may itch more easily, may get irritated more easily by fragrances or a lot of wet-to-dry patterns of washing, regardless of soap brand. Itching from wool or other rough cloths is a real clue to skin being atopic. Most frustrating of all is that AE can break out in a rash for no good reason, no matter how "good" you've been, or how well you've tried to care for your new baby's skin. Knowing this can greatly ease the minds and guilt feelings of those first time new parents who wonder if everything that they do to the new bambino is wrong.

Like other things with you or your child, you learn the most from experience what will or won't bring out the eczema. Though a small comfort, it may free you of unjustified guilt feelings to know that the predisposition to AE is inherited. You're sort of stuck with your skin. Fortunately, your skin is also stuck on you.

Sources:

Burgess, Priscilla, and Adnan Nasir Eczema-Free for Life 2005

Nevada, Christina Healing Eczema: Nutrition, Detoxification, Anti-Stress Coping Skills and External Practices to Heal Eczema 2008

Waterford, Kathleen The Skin Cure Diet: Heal Eczema from Inside Out 2005