What are the causes of Atopic Eczema?

Children who suffer from Atopic Eczema have a higher tendency to make an antibody called immunoglobin E or IgE. This antibody helps our body to find infections caused by viruses and parasites. But some children have a over sensitive immune system that causes their bodies to produce antibodies even when the skin is exposed to commonly occurring substances in the external world such as food, drugs, animal fur, duct and pollen mites. For instance your child may be allergic to grass pollen or a domestic animal such as cat. When he is exposed to these factors, his skin may break out in an angry red rash either immediately or after a while. When the body senses the presence of these allergens it releases a chemical compound called histamine, which causes redness, swelling and itching on the skin. House dust mites and domestic pets are also thought to contribute to frequent eczema attacks in small children. 

Why that happens is still not very clear, but children who get eczema frequently usually have a much drier skin, which allows harmful bacteria and allergens to penetrate the skin. Applying an ointment that contains high levels of fatty acids and replaces the oil and moisture in the skin helps in preventing eczema flare-ups in children. 

One theory why there are more cases of eczema seen in small children is that people of the developed countries stay in very clean and sanitized environment and are not exposed too much to the outer world which does not allow their immune system to develop and makes it more allergy prone.

Many different things can be the irritating agent or trigger. Here is a list of common triggers to watch for:

· Rubbing the skin 
· Moisture, such as saliva or milk 
· Overheating 
· Common house dust 
· Wool or other scratchy fabric 
· Dog or cat dander 
· Cigarette smoke
· Clothes washed in irritating detergent 
· Body soap
· Water 

                                                                                   Baby Eczema Diet