|
What Causes Eczema?
Although the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it appears to be linked to the following internal and external factors:
Internal factors
-
A family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever (the strongest predictor) - if both parents have eczema, there is an 80 per cent chance that their children will too
-
Particular food and alcohol (dairy and wheat products, citrus fruits, eggs, nuts, seafood, chemical food additives, preservatives and colourings)
-
Stress
External factors
-
Irritants such as wool, tobacco smoke, chemicals, emotional stress, weather (hot and humid or cold and dry conditions) and air conditioning or overheating
-
Allergens such as house dust mites, moulds, grasses, plant pollens, foods, pets and clothing, soaps, shampoos and washing powders, cosmetics and toiletries.
The infant with atopic dermatitis is more likely to be allergic to food than other children are. There is at least a 40 to 50 per cent chance that food allergies may be triggers if your child has moderate to severe eczema.
The foods responsible for 90 per cent of these reactions are egg, peanut, milk, soy, wheat, fish, nuts and shellfish.
See your doctor to find out what is triggering the eczema. You may then be referred to a specialist.
|