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- What is eczema?
- Symptoms of eczema
- Causes of eczema
- Prevention of eczema
- Risk factors for eczema
- Complications of eczema
- When to see a doctor about eczema
- Diagnosis of eczema
- Conventional treatment of eczema
- Alternative/complementary treatment of eczema
- Living with eczema
- Caring for someone with eczema
There are a number of risk factors for the development of eczema:
- Age - a high proportion of eczema cases seen by doctors are in infants and young children; approximately 65% of all eczema cases occur in infants under the age of one and about 90% of all eczema cases occur in children under the age of five
- Exposure to allergens - certain allergens can cause eczema to occur, either for the first time, or aggravate it in people with existing allergic reaction to certain allergens
- Exposure to irritants - certain irritants can cause eczema to occur, either for the first time, or aggravate it in people with existing reaction to certain irritants
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- Family history - children born to parents who have eczema (or asthma, allergic rhinitis) are much more likely to be at risk for developing eczema either in childhood or later in life
- Low humidity - people living in an environment with a low humidity climate are more likely to be at risk for developing eczema, as the dryness in the air can dry out the skin, leaving it open to developing eczema
- Nutrient deficiencies - recent research suggests that certain deficiencies in certain nutrients may be a risk factor for the development of eczema. Specifically, the research suggests that deficiency in the omega-3 essential fatty acids can cause eczema to occur and this deficiency starts with the pregnant and lactating mother, who if she is deficient in these nutrients, can risk her child developing eczema as a result
- Stress - studies show that stress can aggravate eczema or initiate it in infants, children and adults
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< 4: prevention 6: complications > Last reviewed: 10 November 2007 || Last updated: 3 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.