Introduction
The word eczema comes from the greek word "ekzein" which
means "to boil". It is an inflammatory skin reaction that
is characterised primarily by itching, but reddening and swelling
are also common. The term dermatitis and eczema are often used to
refer to the same condition.
There are many types and causes of eczema, but the eczematous process
is the same.
The Eczematous Process
The following section describes the 'eczematous process' and provides
an overview of the underlying causes of eczema.
| Part 1 of 4 - The skins
natural barrier |
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The skin is a natural barrier, made
of tightly packed bricks (corneocytes) bound with mortar
(lipids). Natural oil (sebum) sits on the skin's surface
to slow water loss.
The bricks contain Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) that
attracts and retains water (hygroscopic). The bricks in
healthy skin are swollen with water and fit tightly together,
with no gaps. |
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