Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) covers a wide range of skin complaints which may affect someone who is genetically predisposed (atopic).

The symptoms of atopic eczema vary according to the age of the sufferer. It often appears towards the age of 3 months; in 8 out of 10 cases, it appears before the age of 1 year. Atopic eczema normally lasts for several years.

Fortunately, in 2 cases out of 3, it disappears of its own accord around the age of 6 years. Atopic eczema rarely lasts a whole lifetime.

Symptoms

The principal symptoms are redness of skin (erythema) and a rash of pimples. The skin may also become greasy and form scabs.

The disease appears first of all on the child's forehead and cheeks, spreading to the scalp and chin. Between the age of 3 months to 2 years, it makes the child lose sleep and causes agitation. However, the general state of health is not affected.

Up to the age of 2 years, atopic eczema is quite unpredictable.

Flare-ups and remissions can happen at any time and may affect any part of the body.

A different phase may occur later, usually between 4-10 year old. In this phase, eczema frequently takes the form of a very itchy, pimply rash. The pimples are very often accompanied by peeling of the outer layers of skin, leaving scabs. The pimples and patches are found mainly in the folds of the body (bends of the knees, bends of the elbows, on the neck, etc.).

Besnier’s Prurigo is the form of eczema most common in adolescents and adults. Pruritus (itching) is persistent and may be very intense. This makes the sufferer scratch harshly, causing open wounds which may become infected.