1. Eczema Lauren Childs 2 nd Hour

2. What Is Eczema? Eczema is an allergic condition that affects the skin. It occurs in atopic people that are extra sensitive to skin irritation. Atopic means you are prone to allergies. skin conditions that cause skin to become red, irritated, itchy, and sometimes develop small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze. Also called dermatitis. Most common type: atopic dermatitis.

4. Signs and Symptoms The appearance of eczema varies from person to person. And the type of eczema you have. Intense itching is usually the first symptom. If you repeatedly scratch the affected area, the skin can become thickened and crusty. Typically occurs on the knees, cheeks, neck, inside of elbows, and ankles. Other symptoms are: cracked skin, crusting, rashes, itchy spots, and inflamed skin.

5. Layer of Skin it Effects Eczema affects the epidermis skin layer.

6. Cause Of Eczema Although there are many different causes of eczema, the most common is an allergic over-sensitivity to the skin. Eczema also runs in the family. Can be caused by skin contact with substances the body has become allergic to like: nickel, poison ivy, cosmetics, soap, engine oil, or a strong chemical.

7. Cure Treatment for eczema can include using medicines and changes in lifestyle. The type of treatment a patient receives depends on their age, how bad they have eczema, and their overall health status. One important step is to keep the infected area hydrated with creams and to avoid over bathing. Corticosteroid medication creams are sometimes prescribed. They can range in mild, medium, or high potency depending on the type of eczema that person has. Anti-itch creams can reduce itching and red-puffy skin caused by eczema.

8. Worst Case Scenario In the worst case scenario, using certain types of creams can suppress the production of your natural adrenaline, causing you to be prone to a lot of illness including Cushing's syndrome. Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body's tissues are exposed to excessive levels of cortisol for long periods of time. Treatment depends on the specific reason for cortisol excess and may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or the use of cortisol- inhibiting drugs.

9. 3 Facts About Eczema 15 million people in the U.S have eczema, nearly half are children. Most common age: 5-15 years old. For many people who have eczema, they will grow out of it but they will still suffer from dry, sensitive skin.

10. Sources http://www.medicinenet.com/eczema/article.htm http://www.femail.com.au/eczemafacts.htm http://www.skincarephysicians.com/eczemanet/whatis.html http://www.emedicinehealth.com/eczema/article_em.htm

11. Reflection One of my best friends has eczema but I didn’t know much about it. I knew it made your skin itchy and dry but now I know that its much more than that. For some people, it can be so itchy they can’t sleep at night. After this project, I am more educated about eczema.