All about eczema

Maggie Jones
Wednesday, August 22, 2001

Eczema is perhaps the most common skin complaint. It is especially common in young children. It is a rash or irritation of the skin caused by a genetic predisposition and exposure to substances in the environment to which the child is sensitive. These substances can either be external, or in the child's diet. There is some evidence from recently published research that eczema is more likely to occur when a child is raised in a very clean environment, which may be one reason why it seems more common in western, developed countries. Breast-fed babies are less likely to develop eczema, or they grow out of it early if they do suffer from it. Wheat, tomatoes, strawberries, citrus fruits and nuts are among the most common foodstuffs, apart from cow's milk,to provoke an allergic reaction, or cause eczema.